All around the world, the 'creative and cultural economy' is talked about as an important and growing part of the global economy. The term refers to the socio-economic potential of activities that trade with creativity, knowledge and information.

Visit our UK Creative Economy website.

At the heart of the creative economy are the cultural and creative industries that lie at the crossroads of arts, culture, business and technology. The UK has the largest creative sector of the European Union.  In terms of GDP it is the largest in the world, and according to UNESCO it is, in absolute terms, the most successful exporter of cultural goods and services in the world, ahead of even the US. The UK government has taken a lead role in developing the creative economy agenda, with mapping exercises in 1998 and 2001 as well as further policy strategies and interventions in subsequent years.

The British Councils programme for Creative and Cultural Economy in Africa draws on the experience of the UK to help share best practice with partners and individuals across the continent. We work with partners across the world  to help share learning around policy, innovation, skills and advocacy to support the growth of the creative and cultural sector in each country.

We have been engaging in work in the creative and cultural economy in Africa since 2007. Since this time we have engaged in this work in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

We plan to continue working in this area in 2011 and beyond and will initially focus on work in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe. We generally deliver our work in partnership with other organisations. If you are an organisation also interested in this area of work please contact us. If you are an individual interested in engaging in this work please get in touch with your local British Council office to find out more about the activities taking place in your country. You can also check our events calendar on this site for further information.