Creative Industries Initiative for Africa (CIIFA) proudly unveils the latest milestone in its commitment to empowering Africa’s creative landscape: the launch of the MBA & YouTube Masters Programme in 2024.
Beyond empowering artists, YouTube is shaping music’s future in Africa, partnering with Music Business Academy for Africa to launch new careers in the Music business industry and the Creative Industry at large.
The Music Business Academy for Africa (MBA for Africa), established in 2020, has continuously championed the development of a knowledgeable and skilled workforce for Africa’s music and entertainment industry. This initiative emerged from an evolution, starting as an Internship Programme in 2017 and transitioning into a Talent Management Training Programme.
The MBA for Africa has been dedicated to crafting a robust vocational program tailored to the African market while integrating global best practices. With an esteemed faculty comprising business leaders, country managers, and marketing managers from Africa’s emerging businesses, the academy is shaping a cohort of competent and informed professionals for the continent’s creative sectors.
The MBA For Africa 2024 Master’s Programme is a testament to this ongoing commitment. Tailored for the top 40 students from the 2023/2024 programme, this initiative is generously sponsored by YouTube. Scheduled to commence in January and conclude in March, the programme aims to provide these select individuals with unparalleled mentorship, resources, and guidance essential for their growth and success within the industry.
Elizabeth Sobowale, Programme Director of MBA for Africa, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming venture, stating, “YouTube aligned with MBA from the very beginning. As a platform that has empowered a lot of people across the globe, it is great to be partnering with them once again to provide essential knowledge that will help our students build sustainable careers in the music and creative industries at large“
“Our values align perfectly with MBA for Africa’s mission: empowering Africa’s music industry through education and opportunity. That’s why we’re thrilled to be the sole sponsor of the Masters programme, a programme that identifies and cultivates the best and most promising talent. Together, we’re building a future where Managers, A&Rs, and Marketing & promotions specialists are equipped to lead and shape Africa’s music narrative” – Olumide Falegan, Manager, EMEA Music & Culture Partnership SSA, Google.
The Music Business Academy for Africa continues to serve as a catalyst for transformation in Africa’s creative industries, and this collaboration with YouTube exemplifies its dedication to nurturing talent and fostering entrepreneurship.
Itty can be caught studying African pop culture, writing about it or hosting a relationship podcast. When he's not doing any of these, then he's definitely at a bar, getting mocktail.
