Boost for Africa’s Audio-Visual Sector as AACC Secretariat is Launched

The audio-visual sector in Africa is poised to improve, following the launch of a temporary secretariat in Nairobi, to operationalize the Africa Audio-Visual and Cinema Commission (AACC).
The Africa Union (AU) specialised agency, which spearheads AACC, was established in Maputo, Mozambique, in 2003 to coordinate the film and audio-visual sector with AU member States. Their first task was to begin the journey of establishing a Secretariat, which culminated in its launch on 10th May 2024. 
The establishment of AACC was spearheaded by the Kenyan Government, the AU Commission and the Pan-African Federation of Film-makers (FEPACI). 
Speaking during the launch, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Ababu Namwamba, assured the temporary Secretariat of Kenya's support as they seek to operationalize the AACC.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Principal Secretary, of the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Mr. Ismail Madey, the CS said that the choice of Kenya to host the temporary Secretariat affirms Kenya’s resolve to be a competitive hub for the continent riding on the good ICT infrastructure and robust training institutions capable of building capacity in audio-visual related careers.
He said Kenya has signed many international agreements including the America’s Grammy Awards and Hollywood’s Invention Studios that will complement learning opportunities and comparative learning programmes for the entire continent.
The CS said that the Government is committed to supporting AACC in its initial stages until such a time that it will be able to stand on its own.

“We have deployed qualified technical staff as well as support staff to ensure a smooth take-off of the Secretariat. Africa’s rich tapestry of stories, traditions and experiences is a testament to its vibrant diversity and resilience and cinema is a powerful medium through which we celebrate our heritage, express our aspirations and share our narrative with the world,” he added.

The CS further pointed out that the AACC will play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and social development through empowering communities and stimulating investment in infrastructure and technology.