Over 1,000 participants from across Africa and Europe recently gathered at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, for the second edition of Forum Création Africa (FCA)a major event celebrating the continent’s cultural and creative industries. Organized by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in partnership with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and the Lagos State Government, this year’s edition carried the theme “Cultural and Creative Industry Forum.”
The forum served as a vibrant platform to explore Africa’s dynamic creative sectors and their diasporic connections. In his virtual opening remarks, French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening ties with Africa through culture and creativity. He highlighted the vital role of young Africans in driving innovation and shaping new global narratives.
“Cultural and creative industries are the foundation of the new partnerships we’re building with our African counterparts,” Macron said. “From film and publishing to immersive digital experiences, these industries are transforming how Africa is represented in France and how France is perceived in Africa. A new generation of cultural and economic actors, many from the African diaspora, is helping redefine this shared landscape.”
Two years after the inaugural edition in Paris, the Lagos forum continues to build on that momentum, positioning Nigeria as a creative and economic powerhouse. The event underscored Lagos’ growing reputation as a continental hub for culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Elisabeth Gomis, Director General of MansA (Maison des Mondes Africains), reflected on the journey since the first forum. She noted that the Paris edition in 2023 laid the groundwork for cross-continental collaboration, inspiring new partnerships and creative ventures.
“The second edition in Nigeria carries forward the same spirit but expands its scope,” Gomis explained. “We aim to amplify the visibility of emerging creators, encourage international collaboration, and celebrate the Pan-African creative force that is redefining the global cultural landscape.”
The Lagos program was rich with innovation, featuring showcases in immersive media including XR, AR, and gaming as well as transmedia storytelling through webtoons, and cutting-edge audiovisual production in television, animation, sound design, and visual effects. Forum Création Africa also highlighted fashion, design, and technology rooted in African heritage, offering participants a sensory journey through the continent’s creative diversity.
One of the standout exhibitions, Heritage in Motion, curated by Zara Odu, explored the relationship between traditional African craftsmanship and modern design. It demonstrated how ancient techniques such as weaving, dyeing, beading, and molding can be reinterpreted through contemporary artistic expression.
Among the featured works was SUSS FABRICS Paper, an innovative project that reimagines paper one of humanity’s oldest media as a tool for sustainability. Through its Fab2Paper initiative, SUSS FABRICS transforms discarded textiles into handmade paper using advanced fiber extraction and pulping methods. Developed in collaboration with the University of Benin’s Chemical Engineering Laboratory under Professor Andrew, the project aspires to recycle over one million tonnes of fabric into 18 million sheets of paper by 2030.
Ultimately, Forum Création Africa Lagos stood as more than just an event, it was a celebration of Africa’s creative potential, a showcase of innovation, and a reaffirmation of the continent’s place at the forefront of global cultural evolution.
