Regional Trends | Africa

• The great diversity of the region, as well as its remarkable natural heritage, form the basis of the overall approach to culture, that associates both the tangible and intangible dimensions of culture and reflects the links between people and their environment.
•  Whilst cultural policies historically emerged in the post-colonial era in the spirit of reappropriating cultural values and nation building, emerging debates on cultural property and national identity are opening pathways for renewed international dialogue.
•  Although crafts remain an important sector for employment and social cohesion, the creative economy has great potential to promote employment and entrepreneurship – particularly for women and youth – and is garnering increasing interest in public policy.
• The African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations' 2030 Agenda provide complementary opportunities for culture to be better integrated into broader public policy, including for tackling challenges of rapid urbanization, adaptation to climate change and growing inequalities.
• Cultural and arts education and the promotion of the region’s cultural values – particularly responsibility towards future generations – have the potential to serve as a lever for promoting a culture of peace and the emergence of regional development models.

Key documents and publications