Cultural Diplomacy: How African Cities Can Thrive within the UNESCO Cities of Music Network

by idkblanco | 22 min read

In today’s interconnected world, cultural and creative industries are increasingly recognised as powerful drivers of urban resilience and economic growth. Within this framework, UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) stands out as a strategic platform for cities worldwide, positioning cultural sectors like music as catalysts for sustainable development. A UNESCO designation as a City of Music enables cities to build stronger identities, attract tourism, and enhance economic opportunities, yet African cities remain notably under-represented in this prestigious network.

For policymakers, economists, and music stakeholders, understanding the implications of this gap is critical. African cities possess rich musical traditions and a wealth of creative talent; however, structural challenges such as limited funding, institutional capacity, and infrastructural barriers often hinder their ability to meet UNESCO’s stringent requirements. Meanwhile, the "Priority Africa" framework, launched by UNESCO to enhance cultural inclusion, is a promising step toward bridging this gap.

This article explores the potential of African cities within the UNESCO Music Cities Network, examining both the existing challenges and the economic and cultural opportunities that could arise from increased representation. With strategic investment and policy support, African cities can leverage the network to foster cultural diplomacy, bolster tourism, and drive inclusive growth, benefiting urban communities and creative economies alike.

Current African representation and challenges

African cities remain under-represented in UNESCO’s Creative Cities of Music Network, reflecting broader structural challenges in developing and sustaining robust cultural sectors. As of 2024, only a handful of African cities hold designations in UCNN across all categories, with very few in the music sector. Cities like Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo) and Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) achieved the designation due to rich musical heritage and efforts to integrate music into urban development, yet numerous other African cities with equally vibrant music scenes remain outside the Network​.

This gap largely arises from constraints such as limited financial resources dedicated to cultural programs and an often-lacking policy framework that would prioritise and support creative industries. Studies show that while cultural sectors contribute over 1.5% of GDP in some African countries, funding for the arts remains sparse, with cultural budgets often occupying less than 1% of total national budgets​. The infrastructure to support creative industries is often weak, impacting everything from artist development to performance spaces and digital music distribution. In countries where urban infrastructure is already under strain, supporting cultural projects through sustainable funding is challenging, making it difficult for cities to develop and submit comprehensive applications to UNESCO.

Additionally, African cities face procedural barriers, as UNESCO’s application requirements are rigorous and require evidence of an established cultural strategy and sustainable plans for creative industry integration. UNESCO’s “Priority Africa” initiative seeks to address this under-representation by focusing on building policy frameworks that support cultural growth and by providing more direct support to African cities within the Creative Cities Network. However, these efforts remain in early stages, and tangible benefits for African music cities have yet to fully materialise.

Overcoming these structural and procedural challenges is crucial. Increased investment in the creative sectors could enable African cities to unlock the full economic potential of their rich musical heritage, paving the way for greater participation in the UNESCO Cities of Music Network.

UNESCO’s Priority Africa Framework and ongoing support

UNESCO’s Priority Africa Framework addresses the systemic barriers that limit African cities’ engagement with the UCCN. Launched to foster sustainable cultural sectors, this framework aims to resolve both funding and policy gaps hindering African cities from joining initiatives like the Cities of Music Network. However, while the framework offers potential, its practical impact remains limited, especially in translating policy support into tangible increases in African city representation within UCCN. A closer examination reveals both strengths and critical shortcomings of this framework.

Building institutional capacity but lacking immediate outcomes
Through capacity-building initiatives, UNESCO seeks to provide African cities with foundational tools necessary to meet UCCN’s stringent requirements. For example, it supports local government training and funds cultural development projects that enhance cities' ability to structure and promote their creative sectors. However, such capacity-building efforts are resource-intensive and slow to deliver measurable outcomes, as cities require years of consistent investment to develop sustainable creative infrastructure​. Furthermore, the prioritisation of policy development does not immediately address the financial barriers many cities face, potentially stalling the momentum of cities that lack immediate funding for UCCN application and compliance needs.

Fostering collaborative networks but facing structural barriers
UNESCO’s emphasis on peer-to-peer learning and cross-regional partnerships through Priority Africa aims to establish collaborative networks that African cities can leverage. In this model, existing UCCN members like Kinshasa act as mentors, sharing best practices on integrating cultural policies and creative infrastructure into urban planning​. However, this approach presupposes a degree of local administrative capacity and stability, which may not be feasible for all cities in Africa given varying political and economic conditions. The result is that cities with limited administrative resources may find it challenging to fully benefit from the mentorship and collaboration opportunities, perpetuating the gap in UCCN representation.

Policy gaps and implementation challenges
A notable issue within the Priority Africa Framework is its limited immediate impact on overcoming procedural and policy-based challenges faced by African cities. While the framework encourages cities to build sustainable cultural policies, the support for actual implementation—like financing creative infrastructure and building comprehensive cultural strategies—remains insufficient. Many African cities lack access to dedicated public budgets for cultural sectors, with cultural funding often accounting for less than 1% of national budgets. This limited fiscal support hinders cities’ ability to meet UCCN’s requirement of demonstrating a viable long-term cultural strategy, which includes sustained funding and infrastructural development.

Potential for strategic adjustment
For UNESCO’s Priority Africa Framework to have a lasting effect on the representation of African cities in the UCCN, adjustments that include targeted financial support and streamlined application assistance are critical. Initiatives that offer direct funding or grants specifically tailored for UCCN applications could bridge financial gaps, enabling more cities to consider membership. Moreover, simplifying application requirements and providing more adaptable criteria for cities with emerging creative sectors could make UCCN membership more accessible and inclusive. Expanding Priority Africa in these directions could not only bolster African cities’ cultural standing but also facilitate a stronger global presence within UNESCO’s cultural networks, ultimately aligning more closely with UNESCO’s vision of diversity and inclusivity.

In essence, while the Priority Africa Framework shows promise, meaningful inclusion of African cities in the UNESCO Music Cities Network will require more immediate, practical interventions that balance long-term capacity-building with short-term support mechanisms​.

Economic and policy benefits for African cities joining the Network

For African cities, joining UNESCO’s Cities of Music Network offers a unique opportunity to drive economic growth, enhance cultural diplomacy, and build a sustainable creative sector. Evidence from cities already in the Network underscores the potential for such a designation to yield economic and cultural dividends. Cities in the Creative Cities Network have observed increases in tourism, job creation, and investment in creative industries, which are critical growth factors for many African economies.

1. Tourism and Cultural Diplomacy: Cities with UNESCO Creative City designations have leveraged their status to attract international tourists interested in local music and cultural heritage. For instance, in cities like Medellín, Colombia, tourism linked to cultural activities grew by approximately 30% following its designation, with local music festivals drawing international attention and attendance​. A similar trend has been observed in African cities with UNESCO heritage designations, such as Marrakech, Morocco, which saw a 10% increase in tourism revenue following its designation as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art. This suggests that African cities in the Music Cities Network could similarly benefit by attracting cultural tourists, who spend more per visit than other tourist segments, according to the World Tourism Organisation​.

2. Job creation in the Music and Creative sectors: The Creative Cities Network has also shown potential for stimulating local job markets. In the case of Bogota, Colombia—a designated City of Music—employment in the cultural and creative sectors grew by 14% from 2015 to 2020, reflecting the economic boost that can arise from formal recognition and investment in the music industry. For African cities, where youth unemployment remains a critical issue, the development of music-centred economies could provide substantial job opportunities. For example, it was reported Nigeria’s music industry raked in over $2 billion in revenue in 2021, making it one of the largest music industries in the world. It continues to grow as one of Africa's largest creative industries​. Becoming a City of Music would enable cities like Lagos to formalise and expand such industries, generating jobs in production, events, marketing, and music education.

3. Cultural industry growth and local investment: Creative City designation can also spur local investment, as seen in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the UNESCO designation helped attract funding for music infrastructure, including performance spaces and recording studios. Quantitatively, investment in Kinshasa’s music sector increased by around 12% within three years of its designation, supported by both public and private stakeholders who saw the potential for cultural investment to yield long-term economic returns​. For African cities, this model of targeted cultural investment could support a formal music economy, enhancing both local revenues and international appeal.

4. Potential economic spillover: The economic benefits of Creative City designations often extend beyond the music sector itself. For instance, in Medellín, the increased tourism and local engagement generated by the city’s music festivals and cultural activities resulted in a 20% rise in small business revenues within the hospitality and retail sectors. African cities, too, could experience similar spillovers in complementary industries like hospitality, catering, and transport, which are directly impacted by increased attendance at music festivals and events​.

By joining the UCNN, African cities could align their cultural heritage with broader economic goals, tapping into the potential for job creation, international tourism, and investment in music-related infrastructure. For policymakers and stakeholders in African cities, a UNESCO designation is more than symbolic; it can drive real economic growth, providing sustainable income sources, addressing youth unemployment, and boosting the cultural prominence of Africa on a global scale.

Policy recommendations for African Cities aspiring to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network: Economic viability and cultural integration

For African cities aiming to join UNESCO’s Cities of Music Network, targeted policy recommendations can facilitate both sustainable cultural growth and economic viability. Each recommendation outlined here is tailored to address practical considerations in African states, focusing on maximising cultural assets, securing funding, and promoting inclusive growth.

1. Develop accessible cultural Infrastructure and public performance spaces

Creating affordable and accessible spaces for music production and performance is fundamental to achieving the UNESCO designation. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be effective here, allowing cities to leverage private investment for building or refurbishing concert halls, outdoor performance areas, and community recording studios. For example, Rwanda’s Kigali Cultural Village was established through PPPs and has since provided low-cost venues for artists while stimulating local tourism​. Additionally, establishing shared creative spaces—such as community music hubs with rehearsal spaces and equipment rental—can make music production accessible to emerging artists, even in resource-constrained environments.

2. Prioritise funding for creative industries through local and regional initiatives

African cities can overcome funding gaps by creating local and regional financing programs specifically for creative industries. One practical approach is establishing city-level grants or seed funds dedicated to supporting music projects. Lagos, Nigeria, has piloted initiatives where local government collaborates with private sponsors to fund music festivals, workshops, and production projects, yielding positive returns in both tourism and employment. Further, cities could establish "creative funds" by earmarking a percentage of tourism tax revenues and reinvesting these funds into creative infrastructure and events. This self-sustaining model could ease reliance on foreign funding and ensure continuous support for the cultural sector.

3. Streamline policies for creative industry development and intellectual property protection

Robust intellectual property (IP) laws are essential to protect artists and attract investments in the music sector. Many African cities struggle with weak IP frameworks, leading to revenue losses for local musicians and creators. Governments should prioritise policies that strengthen IP protections, ensuring artists can monetise their work through royalties, streaming, and international distribution. South Africa, for instance, improved its IP laws in recent years, which has been instrumental in building the country's successful music and film industries. African cities can draw on this model by collaborating with national governments to create city-level IP support offices, which educate artists on copyright, help them register their work, and connect them to legal assistance when needed​.

4. Integrate music and cultural initiatives into urban development plans

Integrating music into urban development aligns with UNESCO’s criteria and promotes community engagement and tourism. Cities can organise music festivals, cultural fairs, and street performances in central areas, creating vibrant cultural districts that attract both locals and tourists. Addis Ababa’s annual “Sheger Park” festival, for example, has become a focal point for Ethiopian culture, incorporating music, arts, and local cuisine to create a holistic cultural experience that benefits multiple sectors​. Urban music zones could be designated in cities to allow for regular public performances, benefiting both the creative and hospitality sectors.

5. Expand music education and workforce development programs

To sustain a thriving music industry, cities must cultivate talent pipelines through accessible music education. Partnerships with schools, vocational institutions, and private music academies can support this. For instance, Senegal has implemented music education initiatives as part of its national curriculum, creating early opportunities for youth to engage with music as a career path​. African cities could implement similar programs, offering scholarships for music students, establishing mentorship programs, and providing training in areas like sound engineering, digital production, and music marketing. These programs would contribute to a skilled workforce that supports a thriving music ecosystem, driving job creation in both the music and allied sectors.

6. Promote community engagement and inclusive access to cultural events

Inclusivity in cultural participation ensures broad community support and aligns with UNESCO’s values. African cities can use community-based approaches to promote local music events, encouraging people from all socioeconomic backgrounds to participate. Offering sliding-scale or free admission for certain events, particularly in low-income neighbourhoods, can foster community ownership of music initiatives. The success of Cape Town’s annual Jazz Festival, where discounted tickets and outreach events engage diverse communities, highlights how inclusive programming can build a strong, supportive audience base for cultural events​. Additionally, African cities could consider digital broadcasts of major music events to expand access and highlight local talent to international audiences.

7. Establish Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems for cultural initiatives

Effective M&E systems ensure that cultural programs are meeting their goals and contribute to the city’s economic and cultural development. African cities can track metrics like job creation, tourism numbers, and community engagement levels for music-related events and initiatives. Data-driven insights help cities refine their cultural strategies, demonstrating value to stakeholders and potential funders. The implementation of M&E systems in programs like Kenya’s National Music Festivals has allowed the government to assess economic and social impacts accurately, informing adjustments that maximise cultural and financial returns​.

By implementing these recommendations, African cities can create a sustainable pathway to achieving the UNESCO City of Music designation. These initiatives not only enhance cultural visibility but also foster local economic growth, making them valuable strategies for policymakers, economists, and cultural advocates across the continent.

African and Global Cities enhancing cultural sectors with UNESCO’s support

Several cities across Africa and other regions have successfully leveraged UCCN to transform and elevate their cultural sectors, demonstrating the powerful impact that this recognition can have on economic growth, community cohesion, and international visibility.

In Africa, Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, designated as a UNESCO City of Music in 2015, has strategically utilised this platform to foster its rich music traditions and support the development of creative industries. Kinshasa's designation has helped attract international partnerships and funding for local music initiatives, such as music schools and cultural festivals. This support has encouraged community participation and provided economic opportunities for local artists, who have seen increased visibility on international stages​. Similarly, Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo, also a City of Music, has successfully organised music festivals, such as the Pan-African Music Festival and FEUX DE BRAZZA, which celebrate local talent while attracting tourists and cultural exchange, further stimulating its local economy​.

Beyond Africa, cities like Bogotá in Colombia and Medellín in Mexico illustrate how UNESCO designation can be a catalyst for cultural and economic growth. Bogotá, designated a City of Music in 2012, has since leveraged its status to attract global music festivals and events, significantly boosting tourism and employment in the cultural sector. Medellín’s focus on hip-hop and youth-led music initiatives has driven social engagement, supported at-risk youth, and brought international recognition to its creative industries​. These examples highlight how cities across different regions have harnessed UNESCO’s support to strengthen local industries and create pathways for sustainable growth.

The potential impact of UNESCO’s recent policy paper on African applications

Looking forward, UNESCO’s recent policy paper, 'Impact of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network at local, national & international level', could inspire even more African cities to apply for the Network. This paper underscores tangible benefits, such as job creation, increased tourism, and enhanced global visibility, all of which can drive sustainable development. The policy paper also provides guidance on accessing funding and partnerships, which are often barriers for African cities. By spotlighting success stories and offering concrete examples of economic returns, UNESCO’s policy recommendations could encourage African policymakers and cultural stakeholders to invest in creative sector strategies aligned with global standards.

This policy guidance represents an exciting opportunity for African cities to view cultural investment not only as a tool for preserving heritage but as a viable economic strategy. As more African cities consider applying, they could catalyse broader continental participation in the Network, helping to position African music and culture on the global stage and contribute to sustainable, inclusive urban development.

Aligning cultural and economic goals

Aligning African cities’ cultural assets with UNESCO’s Cities of Music Network presents an opportunity for transformative, long-term development across economic, social, and cultural dimensions. By integrating music into urban development, fostering accessible cultural infrastructure, and building robust creative economies, African cities can tap into the global cultural economy, enhancing job creation, tourism, and local investment. The benefits are not only economic; a strong music sector also strengthens community cohesion, preserves cultural heritage, and fosters a vibrant creative identity that attracts international attention​.

For policymakers, economists, and music industry leaders, investing in Africa’s cultural sector is a vital step toward sustainable development. Strategic support through funding initiatives, urban policies that prioritise culture, and workforce placement and development programmes—will build a resilient infrastructure for Africa’s creative industries. As African cities work toward UNESCO designation, they not only gain global recognition but also establish a foundation for inclusive growth that reflects the continent’s rich musical heritage and contributes to social empowerment and economic resilience.

The call to action is clear: by supporting Africa’s cultural sector, leaders across all sectors can foster a creative economy that drives sustainable development, enhances social unity, and cements African cities as global hubs for music and culture.