In a historic collaboration, the United Nations, the Government of Rwanda, the Imbuto Foundation and MITTA Centre have joined forces to ignite a transformative journey for the creative economy, fostering sustainable impact and advancing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The partnership, which was facilitated by the United Nations sees the Media Innovation Technology Talent and Art Centre, with support from the members of its expert council, scope the creative industry in Rwanda and use the learnings and success from Nigeria to co-create home grown solutions in collaboration with local talents and design a roadmap that will accelerate the sector.
In a tweet to welcome the delegation, the Imbuto Foundation wrote: ”We are pleased to welcome Mr @DebolaLagos, Chairman of AW Network and Founder of @MITTACentre with his delegation. They are in Rwanda to explore Rwanda’s creative industry. Looking forward to deepening our collaboration and fortifying our creative industries across Africa and beyond #ImbutoEngages.”
The creative economy stands as a powerful engine for positive change, driving innovation, embracing diversity, generating employment, and fostering economic growth — key components for a sustainable future. The UN’s mission, in partnership with the Government of Rwanda, Imbuto Foundation through the MITTA Centre is dedicated to cultivating synergies with Rwandan creatives to unlock the full potential of the nation’s creative sector.
Reflecting on the potential impact of the collaboration, Adebola said: “The creative economy is a dynamic force that not only transforms societies, but also fuels progress towards the SDGs. It’s a viable source of income and massive channel for job creation especially for a continent set to be the most populous. It also gives agency to citizens to shape the narratives of their country and further build trust for a continent still battling stereotypes.”
Excited to receive the high level creative delegation, Sandrine Umutoni, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Youth, said in her tweets: “Grateful for the convening power of the cultural and creative industries in welcoming to Rwanda, the great Richard Mofe-Damijo, Osas Ighodaro, Cecil Hammond, Bada Akintunde-Johnson, Moses Babatope, and Adebola Williams.” She expressed appreciation for the efforts put in by the Nigerian creatives in forging partnerships and spearheading this important mission on the African continent.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Ozonnia Ojielo in a tweet by UN Rwanda, stated, “We are committed to supporting the creative sector in both countries through strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, and technical assistance. Activating a vibrant creative economy across the entire continent will help create jobs for Africa’s teeming population, empower its youth and advance its prosperity”.
Though the council has over 40 experts, the members on this expedition include Nollywood icon, Chairman Anakle and voting member of the Academy Richard Mofe-Damijo; Best overall actress AMVCA 2023 Osas Ighodaro; Flytime Chief Executive Officer, Cecil Hammond; Country Manager of Paramount Pictures and co-founder Africa Creative Market, Bada Akintunde-Johnson; and Director FilmHouse Group, Moses Babatope.
They are tasked alongside other experts to design a transformative journey for the creative economy to accelerate, create jobs, and unlock prosperity whilst advancing the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
