The African Union (AU) and the All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have officially sealed their long-standing partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. This agreement aims to further promote Africa’s creative and cultural industries, particularly in music.
Since 2014, when AFRIMA hosted its first awards ceremony, both organizations have worked together to honour exceptional African musical talents and showcase African music on the global stage. Over the years, their collaboration has yielded major successes, including support for the AU’s Cultural and Creative Industries Plan, the 2020 “Stronger Together” online concert for COVID-19 relief, and advocacy for key AU programs under Agenda 2063.
Speaking at the signing, H.E. Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, emphasized that the agreement reinforces their commitment to nurturing African talent, creating more opportunities for artists, and using music to foster unity and economic growth.
“This agreement marks a new phase in our partnership, ensuring that African music continues to thrive, empower communities, and contribute to the continent’s development,” she stated.
(L-R) Ms. Angela Martins, Ag. Director, Directorate of Social Development, Culture and Sport, African Union Commission, Mike Dada, President and Executive Producer of All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), H.E. Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, African Union Commission and Ms. Mtudenre Gondwe, AU Legal Officer, during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding to formalize AU’s long-standing partnership in promoting Africa’s creative and cultural industries at the African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Wednesday 29th January 2025
Mike Dada, President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, expressed excitement over the renewed collaboration, appreciating past and present AU leaders for their support of Africa’s creative industry.
“This partnership is a major step forward in our shared mission to elevate African music and culture on the global stage. We look forward to its continued growth for the benefit of our continent,” Dada said.
With this agreement, the AU and AFRIMA reaffirm their commitment to making African music a powerful force for social and economic transformation across the continent and beyond.
