Ghana and South Africa have formalized a new partnership aimed at strengthening cultural ties and unlocking opportunities within the creative industries of both nations.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at the National Arts Council of South Africa (NACSA) headquarters, focuses on cultural exchange, arts education, heritage preservation, institutional capacity building, and joint research initiatives.
Mr. Rex Owusu Marfo, CEO of the Black Star Experience Secretariat (BSE), signed on behalf of Ghana, while Ms. Julie Diphofa, Acting CEO of NACSA, represented South Africa. Mr. Marfo described the MoU as “more than a document—it is a bridge between Ghana and South Africa, and by extension, West and Southern Africa,” emphasizing the historical and cultural bonds linking the two nations.
“The collaboration will enable artists from both countries to share expertise, showcase work across borders, engage young creatives, and preserve shared heritage,” he said. Ms. Diphofa called the agreement “a milestone in advancing Africa’s creative ecosystem” and pledged commitment to leveraging cultural diplomacy to expand opportunities for African creatives.
Under the agreement, South African artists will gain access to Ghanaian platforms such as Creatives Connect Afrika, Afro Future, Tidal Rave Ghana, Beyond the Return, and the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA). These events provide exposure to audiences across West Africa and the diaspora, tapping into a combined market of over 460 million people.
The signing reflects the broader vision of Presidents John Dramani Mahama and Cyril Ramaphosa to use arts and culture as a driver of African unity, economic growth, and global influence.
The Ghanaian delegation included officials from the Ghana High Commission, the Office of the President (Diaspora Affairs), the Ghana Tourism Authority, and the Beyond The Return Secretariat.
By strengthening cross-border creative collaboration, the MoU positions Ghana as a hub for cultural exchange, while offering African artists expanded avenues to thrive in global markets and contribute to the continent’s socio-economic development.
