The British Council has unveiled SoCreative, a brand new free eLearning platform designed to empower African entrepreneurs in the creative industries.
This exciting initiative coincides with the conclusion of the highly successful SoCreative Summit, a yearly event fostering innovation and growth within Africa’s creative economy.
The SoCreative Summit, a collaborative effort between the British Council, Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), and PACE, recently wrapped up its fifth edition at the vibrant Victoria Yards venue in Johannesburg. This free event served as a vibrant hub for cultural makers, artists, fashion designers, and anyone passionate about creative expression.
Emergence: A Legacy of Knowledge Sharing
Farai Bayai Ncube, Regional Arts Director Sub-Saharan Africa for the British Council, highlights the significance of the SoCreative Summit’s theme, “Emergence.” Ncube emphasizes how the dedication and vision of participants and partners over the past five years embody this theme.
Building upon the SoCreative Summit’s legacy, the SoCreative eLearning platform offers free access to knowledge specifically designed to bridge existing gaps in the creative business landscape.
Developed by academic practitioners from Africa and the UK, the platform addresses challenges identified through past summits and stakeholder conversations.
The SoCreative eLearning platform empowers early-stage entrepreneurs to transform their creative pursuits into sustainable businesses. These free, self-paced courses guide users through the entire process, from navigating Africa’s creative industry to identifying target markets, business differentiation, attracting investors, and essential business management skills.
Courses and Continued Support
Coursework includes “Launching your Creative Enterprise,” “Growing your Creative Enterprise,” “Social Impact through Entrepreneurship,” and “Creative Economy Policy.” Upon completion, participants receive a certificate and become eligible for ongoing support through mentoring, coaching, incubation, and acceleration programs within the British Council’s network.
Skinder Hundal, Global Arts Director for the British Council, assures that while this marks the final SoCreative Summit in its current format, the commitment to empowering young creatives continues.
Hundal emphasizes that their ongoing investment and collaboration will inspire future global leaders and contribute positively to Africa and the world.
