Selam will officially launch reports on public investment in the cultural sectors in Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia from November 11 to 15, 2024. These reports, central to the Connect for Culture Africa (CfCA) initiative, highlight the role of culture as a vital economic and social asset and advocate for increased government support across Africa. 

The reports stem from baseline and actor mapping studies conducted earlier this year. They offer data-driven insights on the current levels of public investment in the culture and creative sectors in the CfCA focus countries. Through the recommendations in the report, the CfCA network aim to influence policy reforms and inspire broader investment in cultural industries.

As part of the launch, Selam will host dissemination seminars organized by local CfCA partners in each country. These seminars will bring together the media, artists, policymakers, and cultural organisations, providing platforms to introduce the reports, discuss recommendations, and set the groundwork for continued advocacy in 2025.

According to Selam’s Executive Director, Teshome Wondimu, the baseline reports represent a significant step toward shifting perspectives of policy makers on the cultural sector's role in national economies and societies. “These reports are tools that demonstrate how strategic investment in culture can fuel economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen national identity,” he said. “They highlight both strengths and gaps in current funding models, building a strong case for governments to recognize culture as an economic asset and commit greater resources to support and expand these sectors.”

Wondimu noted the baseline reports’ dual impact. They provide crucial evidence for advocates to leverage when lobbying for enhanced public investment in cultural industries. Additionally, they identify key stakeholders, establishing a framework for effective partnerships between government, private sector, and cultural organizations. “This framework will assist Ministries of culture in developing well-informed budgets and programs that align with both national and continental goals, fostering a more sustainable and inclusive creative economy across Africa,” he added.

Each report delves into funding allocation, sectoral challenges, and potential growth paths, with recommendations tailored to each country’s unique needs. In Zimbabwe, where the government allocates 1.24% of its national budget to culture, inefficiencies limit the funds available for programming, underscoring the need for a more transparent and effective funding model. Zambia, despite a 237% increase in allocations to cultural industries between 2019 and 2024, still dedicates less than 0.1% of its national budget, highlighting a disparity between potential and priority. Uganda’s cultural sector faces even steeper challenges with a mere 0.0012% budget allocation, while Ethiopia’s funding has stagnated at 0.11% of the national budget despite the government’s cultural development commitments under its ten-year plan.

The reports propose several strategies to increase cultural funding, including public awareness campaigns to spotlight the cultural sector’s economic impact and calls to dedicate at least 1% of national budgets to the arts, culture, and heritage sectors by 2023, as stipulated in the African Union Plan of Action for the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs).

Alongside the report launch, Selam will meet with Ministers of Culture in each country to present findings and explore collaborations to advance the reports’ recommendations. These engagements offer an opportunity for direct dialogue on how these insights can inform policies and prioritise funding for the cultural sector. The discussions aim to underline the broader economic and social benefits of cultural investment, such as increased job creation and economic growth.

The visit will also feature a press conference and luncheon to showcase the CfCA initiative, complemented by cultural performances by local artists. In addition, the visit will provide an opportunity to assess the progress of recently launched advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening public investment in the cultural sectors of all four countries.

Supported by the Swedish government and implemented in collaboration with the African Union, the CfCA project integrates advocacy efforts at both regional and national levels. Through a multi-stakeholder regional network, this initiative brings together cultural advocates to raise awareness of the benefits of investing in culture for inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable social and economic development across Africa.