The Creator Economy Is Just Getting Started in Africa

Africa’s creator economy is forecasted to hit $17.8 billion by 2030

Welcome back to Africa Reimagined! A big thank you to those of you who stopped by my SXSW panel last week and said hello! It was a fun one. In other news, one of my favourite hair salons is back in town. The Steam Bar, Selfridges’ first textured hair salon, has returned to the British department store. I went in for a lovely hair treatment and was quickly reminded why we need more luxurious spaces to have our hair done. Make sure you pop in if you can.

This week, we’re digging into a topic I’ve been thinking about a lot: the creator economy in Africa. It’s a nascent industry. Brands across all sectors are experimenting in this arena, and content creators are slowly beginning to see the potential that social media marketing can have, both financially and socially. Many are carving out their own lane in the industry, securing long-term partnerships with international brands, and highlighting African culture and lifestyle. However, amid economic and political uncertainty, along with rising inflation rates, Africa remains a challenging market to navigate. Nevertheless, it’s worth exploring.

What’s inside: Africa’s creator economy is forecasted to reach $17.8 billion by 2030, signalling a broader shift in the market as influencers and brands cash in on this growing sector. I interviewed Gisela Ama Amponsah, a Ghanaian fashion and beauty content creator based in Accra. We discussed everything from her partnership with Fashion Nova to life as an influencer in Accra, Ghana. This will likely be the first of many discussions as the creator economy in Africa gains momentum.

Let’s dive in!

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