HERitage House | African Agency: Africa’s Voices, Unfiltered

HERitage Collective presents HERitage House: African Agency, a powerful conversation on Africa’s place in the world, the rise of the creative economy, and the indispensable role of African women in shaping leadership, culture, and development.

This dialogue reframes Africa not as a continent of “potential,” but as reality, momentum, and the future. With over 1.2 billion people, more than 60% of them young, Africa is already driving global culture, creativity, and innovation. It is not waiting to arrive; it is leading everyday life, shaping taste, and setting the rhythm of the world.

At the centre of the discussion is the creative and cultural economy (CCIs), one of Africa’s most dynamic growth engines. From fashion and film to architecture, design, and digital storytelling, young Africans are building futures entrepreneurially, often powered by authenticity and global platforms like social media. Initiatives such as the Pan-African Indigenous Skills Development Programme were highlighted for their work in connecting skilled creators, textile makers, architects, hair artisans, with designers and markets worldwide, transforming nano and micro creativity into scalable global industries.

Culture and heritage emerge as Africa’s roots, anchors that keep innovation grounded. From the revival of Akwa-ete fabric in Abia State into a globally competitive textile, to Namibia’s strategic positioning in the “orange economy” through film and creative tourism, the conversation shows how heritage is not static, it is an asset for the future.

A central thread throughout the dialogue is African women, as storytellers, leaders, builders, and custodians of continuity. Speakers reflected on the resilience of women who thrive despite structural and cultural barriers, and on the progress being made: women leading government agencies, shaping policy, and driving impact across sectors. Namibia’s achievement of gender parity, ranking among the top globally, was cited as proof that early, intentional investment in girls’ education and STEM changes national outcomes.

Personal stories added depth. From Aisha Adami’s journey as one of the few female journalists in Northern Nigeria 25 years ago, driven by the need to tell untold stories, to grassroots initiatives supporting access to education, the conversation grounded leadership in lived experience.

HERitage House itself stands as a living example: a convening of women from across the continent creating space for honest dialogue, shared identity, and collective power. It is a reminder that Africa’s agency lies in its people, and that investing in women and youth is essential to delivering on Agenda 2063 and the continent’s long-term vision.

This is not a filtered narrative.

It is Africa speaking for itself, through culture, creativity, leadership, and heritage.

Welcome to HERitage House.

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