A recent report revealed that Africa's share of the global creative economy is less than 1% and that the export of creative goods in Africa increased by only 0.6% between 2002 and 2010. However, these figures are due to change, as creative industries are gaining increased recognition as key ingredients in fuelling Africa's economic growth. 

 

UNCTAD reported a 13.9% growth rate of cultural industries in Africa in 2008. Considering that cultural industries are one of the most rapidly growing sectors of the global economy, these figures are expected to rise significantly. Gaining prominence as a solid path to economic growth and development at an impressive pace, creative economies, with their focus on culture and creativity as sources of export earnings and job creation, are being acknowledged as novel and innovative tools in the quest for sustainable development. 

 

Beyond mere praise for the economic benefits that creative industries produce, the social benefits that accompany these monetary results are not to be underestimated. In recent times, creative economies have shifted international focus from mere economic development to human development. The concept of creative economy is a constantly evolving one, but is widely accepted to be driven by the cultural industries, which are composed of the following 10 sectors:

 

• Traditional cultural expressions - arts and crafts, festivals and celebrations

• Cultural sites - archaeological sites, museums, libraries, exhibitions, etc

• Visual arts - paintings, sculptures, photography and antique

• Publishing and printed media - books, press and other publication

• Design - Interior, graphic, fashion, jewelry and toy

• Performing arts - live music, theatre, dance, opera, circus, puppetry, etc

• Audiovisual - Film, television, radio and other broadcastin

• New media - software, video games, digitalized creative conten

• Creative services - architectural, advertising, creative R & D, cultural and recreationa

• Education industry - some consider that education industry, including public and private services, is forming a part of creative industry since creative economies have shifted international focus from mere economic development to human development.