Africa Creative Market 2022 ushers in new phase for continent’s creative industry

In a spectacular and groundbreaking revelation, the Africa Creative Market (ACM) 2022 has
ushered in a transformative phase for Africa’s dynamic creative industry. The maiden edition of this
artistic extravaganza unfolded its vibrant tapestry in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling
commercial capital and a nucleus of innovation across the continent.
Blossoming across the stunning venues of Landmark Event Center and the illustrious Lagos
Continental Hotel, this series of events orchestrated a remarkable convergence of Africa’s ingenious
minds, gathering them in a single forum that teemed with boundless opportunities. The grand
canvas painted by ACM 2022 offered creatives a chance to not only enhance their skills and enrich
their industry knowledge, but also to unveil a portal to the essential realm of funding.
With an encompassing embrace, ACM 2022 cast its luminous spotlight across various sectors
within the vast spectrum of the creative industry. From the realms of film & TV, music, dance,
photography, to the pulsating heart of fashion, every facet of creative expression found its place in
this transformative narrative. Partners of extraordinary stature within each domain curated
unforgettable experiences and presented a profusion of avenues for the artistic souls dwelling
within.

Under the expert guidance of industry luminaries, the event unfurled a tapestry of insights that
encompassed the essence of marketing as an intrinsic way of life and the cornerstone of brand
evolution. These enriching dialogues revolved around equipping African creatives with the precise
initiatives, strategies, and processes to craft and elevate their brands, allowing them to radiate with
distinction in a bustling market.
The Africa Creative Market stands as a unifying platform, embracing talents and stakeholders from
all corners of Africa’s creative realm. Conceived with the noble intent of nurturing an exchange of
value, ideas, creativity, and perspectives between Africa’s creative community and the global stage,
this visionary initiative breathes life into the aspirations of countless visionaries. This endeavor,
meticulously crafted by its creators, serves as a conduit for bridging the gap, empowering creatives
to ascend to new heights. At its core, the ACM platform unfurls the blueprint for erecting commercially robust and sustainable business models, forming the cornerstone of its empowering
mission.

“ With this market, we are creating infrastructures for more musicians, filmmakers, fashion
designers, or dancers to have sustainable economic situations while doing their craft and living with
their unique talents and scaling that business while taking it global, ” Nicole Ackermann,
co-founder, Africa Creative Market.
Stepping into the limelight, Inya Lawal, the visionary founder of ACM, underlined the paramount
significance of recognizing one’s intrinsic value and unique talents. In her profound wisdom, she
also stressed the crucial task of unraveling one’s life purpose within the vast tapestry of both
personal and professional spheres.
Addressing a distinguished audience at an opulent breakfast event designed to honor his presence,
Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the revered Ooni of Ife and esteemed grand patron of the Africa
Creative Market, echoed a resounding truth: “creativity knows no bounds.” With fervor in his
words, he pledged unwavering support for the nurturing of the creative industry. A tapestry of
internationally acclaimed joint ventures, flourishing under the Africa Creative Network, would be
his canvas to facilitate this growth.
The grand stage of the Africa Creative Market 2022 came alive with a kaleidoscope of activities.

From spirited pitch competitions and enlightening funding sessions to thought-provoking panel
discussions led by industry titans, the event pulsated with innovation. Networking flourished,
professionals illuminated paths in transformative capacity-building programs, and the runway
dazzled with the YD Company’s stunning fashion EVO show. The rhythmic cadence of Kaffy’s
dance, the magnetic presence of Falz the Bad Guy at the MTV Base spotlight concert, and an
awe-inspiring art exhibition hosted by Lagos Continental Hotel and 543 Luxury Privé painted a
mesmerizing tapestry of experiences.
In a harmonious convergence of visionary endeavors, the Africa Creative Market 2022 was a
gracious host to two notable events. The bi-annual Women in Film and Television International
(WIFTI) Summit found its abode within this creative symposium, as did the illustrious third edition
of the Business of Photography Conference, a haven for visual artists to forge powerful
connections.
As the curtains descended on this momentous spectacle, the triumvirate of Africa Creative Market
founders — Inya Lawal, Bada Akintunde Johnson, and Nicole Ackermann — came forth with
heartfelt gratitude. Their accolades extended to partners, media magnates, exhibitors, vendors, and
every cog in the wheel who dedicated their resources, time, and energy to ensure the triumph of this
debut showcase. The ACM emerged not merely as an event but as a living, breathing platform
poised to unfurl unending global vistas for creatives.
Amid the luminous gathering, notable figures graced the stage with their presence. The radiant
Chioma Ude, founder of the Africa International Film Festival, and the illustrious filmmaker Nicole
Jefferson adorned the panels with their insights. Bright Wonder Obasi, the visionary founder and
CEO of High Definition Film Academy & Studio, ignited the master class for budding and
seasoned filmmakers alike, embarking on a journey of enlightenment.
In the heart of it all, the Africa Creative Market stood as a testament to the boundless potential of
creativity, a tapestry woven with threads of passion, wisdom, and innovation.