Accra is strengthening its position as one of Africa’s emerging creative industry hubs as the inaugural Ghana Creative Economy Initiative brings together globally recognized filmmakers, producers, investors and policymakers to accelerate growth across the continent’s creative economy.
The initiative features acclaimed television creator Aaron Rahsaan Thomas, best known for creating S.W.A.T., alongside veteran producer Paul Garnes, the longtime producing partner of filmmaker Ava DuVernay. Their participation signals growing international confidence in Africa’s creative industries and the expanding opportunities within the continent’s film and television sector.
Developed and curated by Ghanaian British producer, film programmer and creative industries strategist Dorina Amina Abubakar, the 2026 Ghana Creative Economy Initiative is designed to strengthen Africa’s creative ecosystem through professional training, investment opportunities and international collaboration.
Abubakar also serves as Program Director of African Creative TV at the University of Southern California, where she has focused on building stronger connections between African storytellers and the global entertainment industry.
The initiative is built around three major pillars including an intensive Directing Lab, a series of free public masterclasses for Ghanaian creatives and a Creative Economy Summit that connects filmmakers with investors, technology companies, corporate leaders and policymakers.
The Directing Lab, which runs from July 14 to July 23, brings together eight producer director teams from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. Participants have worked on productions for Netflix, Showmax and Amazon Prime Video, reflecting the growing international demand for African storytelling.
Veteran television director Rachel Raimist joins Aaron Rahsaan Thomas in leading the ten day program. Raimist has directed acclaimed productions including Elsbeth, Bel Air, Queen Sugar, CSI Vegas and Fantasy Island, offering participants valuable industry expertise.
The cohort includes respected African creatives Nicole Amarteifio, Judith Audu, Likarion Wainaina, Brian Munene, Precious Okpala, Nomusa Nzima and several other emerging filmmakers from across the continent who are expected to shape the next generation of African cinema.
From July 20 to July 24, the initiative will also host free masterclasses across multiple venues in Accra including Google Accra, Silverbird Cinemas, Akuna Pod, the American Spaces Library and the Local Community Engagement Program.
Industry experts including Paul Garnes, Quan Phung and Sidra Smith will lead sessions covering project development, pitching, packaging, mobile cinema, micro dramas and strategies for reaching international audiences.
The highlight of the initiative will be the Creative Economy Summit on July 22 at Google Accra, where investors, technology companies, filmmakers, government representatives and cultural institutions will discuss how storytelling, innovation and strategic investment can unlock greater economic opportunities for Ghana and Africa.
Supporting organizations include Google, Akuna Group, MultiChoice, MTN, AfroFuture, The Black Star Experience, the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana’s National Film Authority, Global Media Alliance and Sahihi Africa.
Speaking ahead of the event, Dorina Amina Abubakar emphasized the importance of investing beyond talent.
“Africa is producing extraordinary creative talent, but the next chapter of growth depends on building stronger professional networks, developing globally competitive projects and creating meaningful pathways to investment and international collaboration,” she said.
She added that Ghana possesses the ingredients needed to become one of Africa’s leading creative economy hubs by bringing together innovative ideas, strategic partnerships and international expertise.
Abubakar also stressed that the Ghana Creative Economy Initiative is intended to become a long term platform rather than a single event.
“We want creatives to leave not only inspired but better connected, better equipped and better positioned to compete on the global stage,” she said.
As global demand for African stories continues to grow, initiatives like this could play an important role in attracting investment, expanding skills and positioning Ghana as a leading destination for creative business across Africa.
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