What To Expect
Events Schedule
AfCFTA Tourism, Creatives, and Cultural Industries Forum & Festival
Theme: Creatives Connect Afrika, 24-26 November 2025
La Palm Beach Hotel, Accra, Ghana. Join us for an immersive experience across three dynamic days.
Theme: Creatives Connect Afrika, 24-26 November 2025
La Palm Beach Hotel, Accra, Ghana. Join us for an immersive experience across three dynamic days.
24 November 2025
Masterclasses
8:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration & Welcome
Registration and Accreditation of Participants
9:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Opening Session
Programme Director:
-Mr. Samuel Agyeman, Communications Unit, AfCFTA Secretariat
– Introduction and Welcome Message by AfCFTA Secretariat
– Message by Africa Tourism Partners
– Message by Black Star Experience
Speakers:
– Ms. Emily Mburu-Ndoria – Director of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights & Digital Trade (DTIID), AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana
– Mr. Kwakye Donkor – Chief Executive Officer, Africa Tourism Partners, South Africa – Mr. Rex Owusu Marfo – Coordinator, Black Star Experience, Ghana
-Mr. Samuel Agyeman, Communications Unit, AfCFTA Secretariat
– Introduction and Welcome Message by AfCFTA Secretariat
– Message by Africa Tourism Partners
– Message by Black Star Experience
Speakers:
– Ms. Emily Mburu-Ndoria – Director of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights & Digital Trade (DTIID), AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana
– Mr. Kwakye Donkor – Chief Executive Officer, Africa Tourism Partners, South Africa – Mr. Rex Owusu Marfo – Coordinator, Black Star Experience, Ghana
09:35 AM – 10:00 AM
SESSION 1
Masterclass on Film
Scene Setting Presentation:
-Boosting Africa’s film production through the AfCFTA– from audio-visual services to live-events (MICE, tourism and conferencing services), recreational services, artist mobility, carnet schemes/customs, and the evolving policy and regulatory landscape.
Speaker:
-Mr. Fela Oke – Founder & CEO, Hyphen8 Media Partners, Nigeria
Scene Setting Presentation:
-Boosting Africa’s film production through the AfCFTA– from audio-visual services to live-events (MICE, tourism and conferencing services), recreational services, artist mobility, carnet schemes/customs, and the evolving policy and regulatory landscape.
Speaker:
-Mr. Fela Oke – Founder & CEO, Hyphen8 Media Partners, Nigeria
10:00 AM – 10:25 AM
Presentation 1
Deep dive into the business of Africa’s film industry – film trade, infrastructure, cross-border production, content development, financing vehicles, and digital streaming & distribution opportunities.
Speaker:
– Mr. Joel ‘Kachi Benson – Award-winning Documentary Filmmaker / VR Creator, Nigeria
Speaker:
– Mr. Joel ‘Kachi Benson – Award-winning Documentary Filmmaker / VR Creator, Nigeria
10:25 AM – 10:50 AM
Presentation 2
Spotlight on Intellectual Property Rights-harnessing IPR for African creative and cultural industries commercialisation.
Speaker:
-Ms. Maureen Esther Fondo – Head, Copyright and Related Rights, ARIPO, Zimbabwe
Speaker:
-Ms. Maureen Esther Fondo – Head, Copyright and Related Rights, ARIPO, Zimbabwe
10:50 AM – 11:20 AM
Questions and Answers
Programme Director:
– Mr. Emmanuel Sarpong, Film Producers Association of Ghana
– Mr. Emmanuel Sarpong, Film Producers Association of Ghana
11:20 AM – 11:35 AM
Networking Activities
Networking Tea Break
11:40 AM – 12:05 PM
SESSION 2
Masterclass on Fashion
Scene Setting Presentation:
Fashioning intra-African trade
– growing from emerging to industry power players, exploiting cross-border trade in garments, and strategies for market access within the AfCFTA framework.
Speaker:
-Ms. Makeba Boateng – Fashion Designer & Founder, Fashion Forum Africa, Ghana.
Scene Setting Presentation:
Fashioning intra-African trade
– growing from emerging to industry power players, exploiting cross-border trade in garments, and strategies for market access within the AfCFTA framework.
Speaker:
-Ms. Makeba Boateng – Fashion Designer & Founder, Fashion Forum Africa, Ghana.
12:05 PM – 12:30 PM
Presentation 1
Shaping tomorrow’s fashion industry in Africa
– examining commercial viability and the interconnectedness of African fashion, cultural heritage, film, music, and tourism value chains.
Speaker:
-Ms. Koketso Chiepe – Fashion Designer, Botswana
– examining commercial viability and the interconnectedness of African fashion, cultural heritage, film, music, and tourism value chains.
Speaker:
-Ms. Koketso Chiepe – Fashion Designer, Botswana
12:30 PM – 12:50 PM
Presentation 2
AfCFTA
– the gateway to business growth and pathways through a unified and diversified market for Africa’s fashion industry.
Speaker:
-Ms. Daphine Lekipaika – Trade in Services Expert, AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana
– the gateway to business growth and pathways through a unified and diversified market for Africa’s fashion industry.
Speaker:
-Ms. Daphine Lekipaika – Trade in Services Expert, AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana
12:50 PM – 13:20 PM
Questions and Answers
Programme Director:
– Ms. Briggette Harrington – CEO, Igire & AfCFTA Trading Company, Rwanda
– Ms. Briggette Harrington – CEO, Igire & AfCFTA Trading Company, Rwanda
13:20 PM – 14:30 PM
Networking Activities
Networking Lunch
14:30 PM – 14:55 PM
SESSION 3
Masterclass on Music
Scene Setting Presentation:
AfCFTA – an unexplored unified and larger market for digital distribution and cross-border collaboration for Africa’s music industry.
Speaker:
-Ms. Khadijat El-Alawa – Head of Music & Talent, AfroFuture, Ghana
Scene Setting Presentation:
AfCFTA – an unexplored unified and larger market for digital distribution and cross-border collaboration for Africa’s music industry.
Speaker:
-Ms. Khadijat El-Alawa – Head of Music & Talent, AfroFuture, Ghana
14:55 PM – 15:15 PM
Presentation 1
The value of digital platforms
– strategic pathways for global reach, brand equity, and commercialisation.
Speaker:
Mr. Ruddy Kwakye – CEO, Republic of Amusement, Ghana
– strategic pathways for global reach, brand equity, and commercialisation.
Speaker:
Mr. Ruddy Kwakye – CEO, Republic of Amusement, Ghana
15:15 PM – 15:40 PM
Questions and Answers
Programme Director:
– Ms. Huguette Umutoni – Creative Economy & Global Partnerships Leader, Rwanda
– Ms. Huguette Umutoni – Creative Economy & Global Partnerships Leader, Rwanda
15:40 PM – 16:05 PM
SESSION 4
Masterclass on Fintech Revolution & Financial Inclusion
Scene Setting Presentation:
Fintech revolution – new revenue streams and transparent payments for the African creatives ecosystem.
Speaker:
-Mr. Owureku Asare – Director, Fintech and Innovation, Bank of Ghana
Scene Setting Presentation:
Fintech revolution – new revenue streams and transparent payments for the African creatives ecosystem.
Speaker:
-Mr. Owureku Asare – Director, Fintech and Innovation, Bank of Ghana
16:05 PM – 16:25 PM
Presentation 1
Financial inclusion
– supporting accessible finance for Africa’s creative economy.
Speaker:
– Mr. John Sande – Chief Operating Officer, Mediakits.io, Kenya
– supporting accessible finance for Africa’s creative economy.
Speaker:
– Mr. John Sande – Chief Operating Officer, Mediakits.io, Kenya
16:25 PM – 16:45 PM
Presentation 2
Digital payments
– delivering innovative digital financial services to unlock the global creative economy.
Speaker:
-Ms. Mariam K. A-Buahin – Chief Operating Officer, Akuna Group
– delivering innovative digital financial services to unlock the global creative economy.
Speaker:
-Ms. Mariam K. A-Buahin – Chief Operating Officer, Akuna Group
16:45 PM – 17:15 PM
Questions and Answers
Programme Director:
– Mr. Francis Doku – West Africa Director, Africa Tourism Partners
– Mr. Francis Doku – West Africa Director, Africa Tourism Partners
17:30 PM – 17:40 PM
Concluding Remarks
Speaker:
-Mr. Rex Owusu Marfo – Coordinator, Black Star Experience, Office of the Presidency, Ghana
-Mr. Rex Owusu Marfo – Coordinator, Black Star Experience, Office of the Presidency, Ghana
17:40 PM – 17:55 PM
Call-to-Action and Way Forward
Speaker:
– Ms. Emily Mburu-Ndoria – Director, DTIID, AfCFTA Secretariat
– Ms. Emily Mburu-Ndoria – Director, DTIID, AfCFTA Secretariat
17:55 PM – 19:30 PM
Accra By Night
Accra By Night
25 November 2025
Opening Ceremony & Thought-Leadership Dialogues
08:00 AM – 09:00 AM
Registration & Welcome
Registration and Accreditation of participants
09:00 AM – 09:45 AM
Opening Ceremony
– Message by Black Star Experience, Office of the President of the Republic of Ghana (Mr. Rex Owusu Marfo)
– Message by Africa Tourism Partners, South Africa (Mr. Kwakye Donkor)
– Message by the European Union (Ambassador Rune Skinnebach)
– Welcome Message by Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Ghana (Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie)
– Solidarity Message by Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Ghana (Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare)
– Message by Africa Tourism Partners, South Africa (Mr. Kwakye Donkor)
– Message by the European Union (Ambassador Rune Skinnebach)
– Welcome Message by Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Ghana (Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie)
– Solidarity Message by Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Ghana (Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare)
09:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Performance
Cultural Performance / Video
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Keynote Address
H.E. Wamkele Mene – Secretary-General, AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana
10:15 AM – 10:20 AM
Welcoming the Guest of Honour
Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie – Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Ghana
10:20 AM – 11:00 AM
Official Opening by Guest of Honour
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama – President of the Republic of Ghana
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Photo Session
Phoshoot
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Thought-Leadership Dialogue
Expanding Africa’s Creative Economy through Tourism, Film, Media, and Digital Innovation Linkages
Panelists:
– Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie – Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Ghana
– Ms. Emily Mburu-Ndoria – Director of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights & Digital Trade (DTIID), AfCFTA Secretariat
– Mr. Temwa Gondwe – Director, Creatives and Diaspora, Afreximbank, Egypt
– Hon. Abdoulie Jobe – Minister of Tourism, The Gambia
– Ms. Otsetswe K. Koboyankwe – Acting CEO, National Arts Council of Botswana
Moderator:
-Ms. Ama Konadu – Project Manager, Producer, and Facilitator
Panelists:
– Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie – Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Ghana
– Ms. Emily Mburu-Ndoria – Director of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights & Digital Trade (DTIID), AfCFTA Secretariat
– Mr. Temwa Gondwe – Director, Creatives and Diaspora, Afreximbank, Egypt
– Hon. Abdoulie Jobe – Minister of Tourism, The Gambia
– Ms. Otsetswe K. Koboyankwe – Acting CEO, National Arts Council of Botswana
Moderator:
-Ms. Ama Konadu – Project Manager, Producer, and Facilitator
12:30 PM – 13:30 PM
Film Screening
Selected Filmmakers and Producers
13:30 PM – 14:30 PM
Networking Activities
Exhibition Tours & Networking Lunch
14:30 PM – 15:30 PM
Thought-Leadership Dialogue
Harnessing the AfCFTA for Film, Fashion, and Music – addressing trade barriers, policy gaps, and investment opportunities to grow Africa’s creative economy.
Panelists:
– Ms. Theresa Oparebea Ayoade – Co-founder & CEO, Charterhouse Productions, Ghana
– Ms. Marie Chantal Mazoume – Director, Creatives and Cultural Industries, Cameroon
– Ms. Rita Ngenzi – Founding Director, Africa Creatives Alliance, Uganda
– Mr. Gideon Aryeequaye – CEO, Creative Arts Agency, Ghana
– Ms. Kefa Hussein Igilo – Filmmaker & TV Producer, Tanzania
– Mr. Munyaradzi ‘Munya’ Chidzonga – Actor and Filmmaker, Zimbabwe
Moderator:
-Ms. Marielle Barrow Maignan, PhD – President & Editor-in-Chief, Caribbean InTransit, Trinidad and Tobago
Panelists:
– Ms. Theresa Oparebea Ayoade – Co-founder & CEO, Charterhouse Productions, Ghana
– Ms. Marie Chantal Mazoume – Director, Creatives and Cultural Industries, Cameroon
– Ms. Rita Ngenzi – Founding Director, Africa Creatives Alliance, Uganda
– Mr. Gideon Aryeequaye – CEO, Creative Arts Agency, Ghana
– Ms. Kefa Hussein Igilo – Filmmaker & TV Producer, Tanzania
– Mr. Munyaradzi ‘Munya’ Chidzonga – Actor and Filmmaker, Zimbabwe
Moderator:
-Ms. Marielle Barrow Maignan, PhD – President & Editor-in-Chief, Caribbean InTransit, Trinidad and Tobago
15:30 PM – 15:40 PM
Performance
Cultural Performance / Video
15:45 PM – 16:15 PM
Fireside Chat
Unleashing the Power of Storytelling – driving result-oriented intra-African trade through Africa’s creatives content (film, music, fashion, digital content, tourism).
Speaker:
-Mr. Mike Otieno – Co-Founder & President, Wowzi, Kenya
Moderator:
-Ms. Mariam K. A-Buahin – Chief Operating Officer, Akuna Group, Ghana
Speaker:
-Mr. Mike Otieno – Co-Founder & President, Wowzi, Kenya
Moderator:
-Ms. Mariam K. A-Buahin – Chief Operating Officer, Akuna Group, Ghana
16:15 PM – 17:00 PM
Inspiring Global Attraction
Inspiring Global Attraction:
Exploiting African films, music, fashion, and culture to bolster Brand Africa’s soft power in the global marketplace.
Panelists:
– Mr. Melchy Obiang – Film Director and Screen Writer, Gabon
– Mr. Xavier Edwards – Artist, Trinidad and Tobago
– Mr. Joel ‘Kachi Benson – Emmy Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker / VR Creator, Nigeria
– Mr. Kevin Okeya – Co-founder & CEO, Mediakits.io, Kenya
Moderator:
-Mr. Sam Larra – Programs Lead, 24-hour Economy Secretariat, Ghana
Exploiting African films, music, fashion, and culture to bolster Brand Africa’s soft power in the global marketplace.
Panelists:
– Mr. Melchy Obiang – Film Director and Screen Writer, Gabon
– Mr. Xavier Edwards – Artist, Trinidad and Tobago
– Mr. Joel ‘Kachi Benson – Emmy Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker / VR Creator, Nigeria
– Mr. Kevin Okeya – Co-founder & CEO, Mediakits.io, Kenya
Moderator:
-Mr. Sam Larra – Programs Lead, 24-hour Economy Secretariat, Ghana
19:00 PM – 22:00 PM
Film Screenings
Selected Filmmakers and Producers
26 November 2025
Panel Sessions & Showcase
09:00 AM – 09:15 AM
Performance
Creative / Cultural / Musical Performance
09:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Panel
Facilitating Mobility for Tourism, Cultural and Creatives Professionals
Panelists:
– Mr. Jermaine Tumelo Besten – CEO, WWP Group, South Africa
– Ms. Keitumetse Setlang – CEO, Botswana Tourism Organisation
– Mr. Olayiwola Awakan – Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA)
– Mr. Frank Murangwa – Regional Director: Africa, ICCA – International Congress and Convention Association, Rwanda
– Ms. Maame Afua Houadjeto – CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority
– Mr. Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa – CEO, Tourism Business Council South Africa & Interim Chairperson, Africa Tourism Private Sector Alliance
Moderator:
-Prof. Kobby Mensah – CEO, Ghana Tourism Development Company
Panelists:
– Mr. Jermaine Tumelo Besten – CEO, WWP Group, South Africa
– Ms. Keitumetse Setlang – CEO, Botswana Tourism Organisation
– Mr. Olayiwola Awakan – Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA)
– Mr. Frank Murangwa – Regional Director: Africa, ICCA – International Congress and Convention Association, Rwanda
– Ms. Maame Afua Houadjeto – CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority
– Mr. Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa – CEO, Tourism Business Council South Africa & Interim Chairperson, Africa Tourism Private Sector Alliance
Moderator:
-Prof. Kobby Mensah – CEO, Ghana Tourism Development Company
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Panel
Financing Africa’s Creative Businesses (Film, Music, Fashion) Revolution
Panelists:
– Mr. Felix Chege – CEO, Real Sources Africa and AfCFTA Trading Company, Kenya
– Mr. Simon Madjie – CEO, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre
– Mr. Ivan Quashigah – Board Chairman, National Film Authority, Ghana
– Ms. Ana Ballo – Filmmaker and Director, RTI Distribution, Côte d’Ivoire
– Ms. Zodwa Msimang Kansibande – Founder & Creative Director, Zulu Madame, South Africa
Moderator:
Ms. Laura Ekumbo – Co-Director, LAM Sisterhood, Kenya
Panelists:
– Mr. Felix Chege – CEO, Real Sources Africa and AfCFTA Trading Company, Kenya
– Mr. Simon Madjie – CEO, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre
– Mr. Ivan Quashigah – Board Chairman, National Film Authority, Ghana
– Ms. Ana Ballo – Filmmaker and Director, RTI Distribution, Côte d’Ivoire
– Ms. Zodwa Msimang Kansibande – Founder & Creative Director, Zulu Madame, South Africa
Moderator:
Ms. Laura Ekumbo – Co-Director, LAM Sisterhood, Kenya
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Networking Activities
Tea Break & Film Screen
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Panel
Digital Transformation – Embracing the potential of AI, virtual reality, streaming platforms, and the gig economy.
Panelists:
– Ms. JudySheila N. Mugo – Director of Content Pulse, East Africa
– Ms. Margareth Geddy – Tanzanian television journalist and wildlife filmmaker, Tanzania
– Ms. Chadzanso Mwenda – International Actress and Film Distributor, Zambia
– Mr. Taye Balogun – Founder, The NGO International Film & Knowledge Forum, Kenya
– Mr. Jiire Smith – Artist & Young Talent, Nigeria / Abu Dhabi
– Mr. Kevin Okeya – Co-founder & CEO, Mediakits.io, Kenya
Moderator:
-Mr. Boniface Mwalii – Chairman, Entertainment & Arts Journalist Association of Kenya
Panelists:
– Ms. JudySheila N. Mugo – Director of Content Pulse, East Africa
– Ms. Margareth Geddy – Tanzanian television journalist and wildlife filmmaker, Tanzania
– Ms. Chadzanso Mwenda – International Actress and Film Distributor, Zambia
– Mr. Taye Balogun – Founder, The NGO International Film & Knowledge Forum, Kenya
– Mr. Jiire Smith – Artist & Young Talent, Nigeria / Abu Dhabi
– Mr. Kevin Okeya – Co-founder & CEO, Mediakits.io, Kenya
Moderator:
-Mr. Boniface Mwalii – Chairman, Entertainment & Arts Journalist Association of Kenya
12:20 PM – 14:20 PM
Fashion Showcase
Creatives Connect Afrika Fashion Runway
14:30 PM – 14:45 PM
Presentations of Outcomes, Call to Action, and Closing Remarks
Speakers:
– Mr. Rex Omar – Coordinator, Black Star Experience, Ghana
– Ms. Emily Mburu-Ndoria – Director of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights & Digital Trade (DTIID), AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana
– Mr. Rex Omar – Coordinator, Black Star Experience, Ghana
– Ms. Emily Mburu-Ndoria – Director of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights & Digital Trade (DTIID), AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana
14:45 PM – 15:00 PM
Networking Activities
Networking Lunch, Business-to-Business, and Matchmaking Sessions
19:00 PM – 23:00 PM
Cultural & Musical Celebration
Cultural Night & Musical Festival (Traditional Attire)
