Last month in Nairobi, I found myself standing at the very interesting intersection of creativity, science and sustainable development. At the Alliance for Science’s 10^th anniversary summit, The Africa Centre proudly joined forces with the Alliance for Science and AUDA-NEPAD to launch an initiative to use arts and culture in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and linking these to the Africa Union’s Agenda 2063.

It is unfortunate that arts and culture is not recognised more prominently in the Sustainable Development agenda.  At The Africa Centre, we have always understood that arts and culture are more than just expressions of creativity; they are powerful tools for social change, economic empowerment and global connectivity and are therefore central to Africa’s development journey.

The SDGs are an ambitious global agenda, but they cannot be met in silos. Culture can act as a binding agent that not only helps to address issues within the goals, but also play a powerful role in communicating the key messages to communities all over Africa.

The creative economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world, providing livelihoods to millions of Africans, particularly young people and women. Investing in the arts fuels job creation and sustainable economic growth (SDG 1& SDG 8). Culture-based education (SDG 4) fosters critical thinking, creativity, and local knowledge preservation. Artists and storytellers have a unique ability to translate complex climate issues (SDG 13) into relatable narratives, mobilizing communities to adopt sustainable practices and advocate for policy change. From theatre performances addressing social justice to music that unites divided communities, the arts serve as a medium for conflict resolution and civic engagement (SDG 16).

This developing collaboration with Alliance for Science and AUDA-NEPAD underscores a shared commitment to leveraging arts and culture for sustainable development. By integrating creative storytelling with science and policy, we can shift mindsets, encourage innovation and mobilize action in ways traditional methods cannot. The ability of artists to communicate complex issues in relatable ways will also be crucial in promoting awareness and action towards the SDGs.

Interestingly, we also recently had the honour of a visit from Dr. Wale Okediran, Secretary-General of the Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA). PAWA has developed interesting projects that champion children’s literature as a tool for raising awareness about and achieving the SDGs.

These engagements reaffirm the vital role that arts and culture play in shaping Africa’s future. In Nairobi, we saw firsthand how artists and scientists can work together to bridge gaps in public understanding, whether on climate resilience, food security, or health equity. These partnerships combat disinformation and amplify impact, demonstrating that the fusion of arts and science is not just desirable—it is necessary. Moreover, as Africa moves towards the ambitions of AU Agenda 2063, art and culture will continue to be indispensable in shaping the narrative of a thriving, self-reliant continent.

Victor’s Story – How Art Changes Lives

In Nairobi, I had the privilege of meeting Victor, a 10-year-old artist from a wonderful arts collective, Maasai Mbili in Kibera. M2 provides a space for artists of all ages, especially young people, to explore their creativity. Victor’s journey was truly inspiring—through his passion for drawing and painting, he has found new focus in education, a commitment to staying healthy, and a path away from the challenges that often confront young people in underserved communities. His story is a testament to how the arts provide not just economic opportunities but also personal transformation, helping shape a brighter future for Africa’s youth.

The SDGs will not be achieved through numbers and policies alone. They require stories that inspire, art that provokes and culture that unites. At the Africa Centre, we will continue to promote the creative and cultural sector as a cornerstone of sustainable development. We will continue to forge strategic partnerships, invest in artistic talent, and ensure that the voices of African creatives are at the heart of the global development agenda. We invite policymakers, businesses and cultural institutions to join us in this quest and invest in the transformative power of the arts. Together, we can build a future where creativity is not just celebrated but fully integrated into Africa’s development journey. There are many more Victors out there for us to help.

The Role of the Diaspora

As was discussed in last month’s blog, the role of the Diaspora in Africa’s development agenda should not be underplayed. This point was articulated by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, on a recent visit to The Africa Centre. The Minister stressed how important it was for the Diaspora to recognise itself as the first encounter their host countries will have with the continent; they, therefore have tremendous influence as cultural ambassadors and champions of investment.

Cultural Moment of the Month: Our evening with Ethiopian classical musician Girma Yefrashewa. He enraptured us in conversation with Prof Lucy Duran. This event was held in conjunction with SOAS, University of London.

Community Appreciation: Our ongoing fundraising appeal has mobilised a community around us. We wish to especially express our heartfelt appreciation to POETIC TEMPLE and Sister Shirley Mason (aka Cuban Redd). Poetic Temple’s Stella B and Nat Nye have been holding a series of monthly fundraising Open Mic poetry events for us. Sis Shirley has launched a community fundraising drive Majikal Mirikal Millions to raise £1m towards our £6m fundraising campaign. The Africa Centre salutes them.

RUNNING FOR EDUCATION

DJ MDKay has also responded to the call and will be running the 2025 London Marathon for The Africa Centre’s Elimu Education Programme. MDKay also ran the Marathon for us last year. Our immense gratitude to him. Please support his efforts by donating here.  All amounts raised go towards The Africa Centre’s Elimu education programme, where we offer children and young people exciting and memorable exposure to African excellence in arts, culture, entrepreneurism and innovation.

Please Note: Next month’s blog will be written by our Director of Programmes, Fadil Elobeid. He will have some exciting news to share, so watch the space!

Till the next time - Peace, Love and Light!

Olu Alake

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER