Creative Industries Initiative for Africa (CIIFA) proudly unveils the latest milestone in its commitment to empowering Africa’s creative landscape. The launch of the MBA & YouTube Masters Programme in 2024.
Beyond empowering artists, YouTube is certainly shaping music’s future in Africa, partnering with Music Business Academy for Africa. This partnership aims to subsequently launch new careers in the Music business industry and the Creative Industry at large.
The Music Business Academy for Africa (MBA for Africa) was established in 2020. And has continuously championed the development of a knowledgeable and skilled workforce for Africa’s music and entertainment industry. This initiative chiefly emerged from an evolution. It started as an Internship Programme in 2017 and transitioning into a Talent Management Training Programme.
The MBA for Africa is dedicated to crafting a robust vocational program tailored to the African market while integrating global best practices. It has an esteemed faculty comprising business leaders, country managers, and marketing managers from Africa’s emerging businesses. The academy is basically shaping a cohort of competent and informed professionals for the continent’s creative sectors.
The MBA & YouTube Masters Programme is certainly a testament to this ongoing commitment. Tailored for the top 40 students from the 2023/2024 programme, this initiative is generously sponsored by YouTube. The programme is scheduled to commence in January and conclude in March. It aims to provide these select individuals with unparalleled mentorship, resources, and guidance essential for their growth and success within the industry.
Elizabeth Sobowale, Programme Director of MBA for Africa, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming venture, stating, “YouTube aligned with MBA from the very beginning. It is a platform that has empowered a lot of people across the globe. It is great to be partnering with them once again to provide essential knowledge that will help our students build sustainable careers in the music and creative industries at large“
“Our values align perfectly with MBA for Africa’s mission: empowering Africa’s music industry through education and opportunity. That’s why we’re thrilled to be the sole sponsor of the Masters programme. The MBA & YouTube Masters Programme that identifies and cultivates the best and most promising talent. Together, we’re building a future where Managers, A&Rs, and Marketing & promotions specialists are equipped to lead and shape Africa’s music narrative.” – Olumide Falegan, Manager, EMEA Music & Culture Partnership SSA, Google
Accordingly, the Music Business Academy for Africa continues to serve as a catalyst for transformation in Africa’s creative industries. Subsequently, this collaboration with YouTube exemplifies its dedication to nurturing talent and fostering entrepreneurship.
For more information about the MBA & YouTube Masters Programme and the Music Business Academy for Africa, please visit MBA for Africa.
About MBA for Africa:
The MBA For Africa is an initiative of the Creative Industries Initiative For Africa (CIIFA). It is in partnership with Music Ally, and Dr. Carlos Chirinos of the Music Business programme at New York University. The Music Business Academy for Africa began as an internship scheme in 2017. Then, it evolved into a talent management training program. And subsequently, the full music business education initiative that launched in 2020. For more information, visit www.mbaforafrica.com.
About Google/YouTube:
Google and YouTube are global technology giants chiefly committed to empowering creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators worldwide through cutting-edge tools, resources, and support. YouTube is a key platform that has contributed positively to the creative ecosystem in Africa. Beyond supporting artists YouTube is committed to supporting the development of next generation talents and careers in the music industry through partnerships like we have with Music Business Academy for Africa.
For media inquiries about MBA & YouTube Masters Programme, please contact: info@ciif.africa
