• Pan-African program aims to train 1.2 million African youth over five years

• Focus on creative industries, with an eye on jobs, culture, and empowerment

• Success depends on local engagement, stable funding, and strong partnerships

AFRIMA, the All Africa Music Awards organization, announced on Tuesday, May 20, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the upcoming launch of a major training program for African youth. The initiative, called TAKA, is designed to equip 1.2 million young people across the continent with skills in the creative industries over the next five years.

According to Mike Dada, AFRIMA’s founder and executive producer, TAKA goes beyond just skill-building. It aims to drive wider social and economic benefits—empowering young creatives, creating jobs, boosting African culture, and promoting economic independence that supports a thriving continent.

The program will focus on Africans between the ages of 18 and 35, especially those who are often excluded from formal academic paths. It seeks to bring structure to a creative sector that remains largely untapped. As it stands, African cultural industries make up less than 3% of the global market, according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). However, Africa’s music market is expected to grow by 10.68% annually through 2027, potentially reaching $49.37 million in value.

TAKA aims to position itself as a practical response to these trends, aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals. By focusing on hands-on training and real-world skills, the program hopes to fuel the rise of a skilled, self-reliant generation of creatives.

The exact rollout plan for TAKA has not yet been shared. Its success will rely on consistent funding, locally relevant training materials, and strong community connections. Models like Trace Academia and CANEX have already proven the value of blending digital tools with on-the-ground support. The commitment of AFRIMA’s partners will be key in determining how far the impact of TAKA can reach.