Africa is a continent rich in cultural heritage, and its arts, fashion, and music industries are no exception. With a growing entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approaches, the startup scene in these sectors is rapidly evolving, offering exciting opportunities for creatives and investors alike.

Let’s explore this incredible environment.

Fashion and Arts

Omoyemi Akerele, a renowned creative economy change agent and social entrepreneur, has been instrumental in shaping the fashion industry in Africa. Her company, Style House Files, and Lagos Fashion Week, a leading fashion event, have been instrumental in promoting African fashion globally and creating opportunities for local designers. Akerele's vision is to bridge the gap between designers and manufacturers, fostering a sustainable and economically impactful fashion industry in Africa.

A Thriving Leather Goods Industry

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Ethiopian leather goods, due to their quality and craftsmanship. This has led to the emergence of several Ethiopian leather and shoemaking startups.

These include soleRebels. Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, the founder of soleRebels, pioneered a fusion of her Ethiopian community's artistic skills with the traditional "barabasso" (recycled tire) shoe. This innovative approach led to the creation of distinctive, original footwear that embodies the principles of ethical production, sustainable materials, and maximum comfort.

Music and Entertainment

The music industry in Africa is booming. Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, is the second-largest in the world, producing a significant number of films annually. The entertainment sector is a significant contributor to the economy, with the music industry alone estimated to contribute around $750 million.

Impact on the Economy

The arts, fashion, and music industries are significant contributors to the economy in Africa. The entertainment industry, including music and film, is estimated to contribute between 0.5% to 1.4% to Nigeria's GDP. The fashion industry, through platforms such as Style House Files and Lagos Fashion Week, is also creating jobs and driving economic growth.

As the global entertainment and media industry continues to grow, Africa is well-positioned to leverage this trend and remain a major player in the global arts, fashion, and music landscape.