ORUN Launches Sustainable Creative Ecosystem at MASA 2026 in Côte d’Ivoire
Introduction of the ORUN Innovation Village
On April 17, 2026, ORUN officially launched its pan-African program aimed at sustainably structuring the creative industries across Africa. This initiative was unveiled at the Marché des Arts et Spectacles Africains (MASA) held at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The event gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including decision-makers, investors, financial institutions, students, artists, and media representatives, all united by the belief that culture serves as a strategic economic vector for the continent.
Significance of Cultural and Creative Industries
Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) are increasingly recognized as vital components of economic growth. ORUN’s initiative seeks to transform African creativity into a sovereign infrastructure, deeply rooted in the continent’s cultural heritage. The organization emphasizes that culture should not be viewed as a secondary sector but rather as a key driver of sustainable jobs, competitive value chains, and international influence.
Highlights of the Innovation Village
Official Opening Ceremony
The Innovation Village was inaugurated on April 13, 2026, by Ms. Dominique Ouattara, First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire. She was joined by Ms. Françoise Remarck, Minister of Culture and Francophonie, and Mr. Djibril Ouattara, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation. The presence of various government officials underscored the importance of this initiative for national policy.
Launch Ceremony on April 17
The launch event on April 17 served as a platform for introducing ORUN’s pan-African program, designed as a collaborative space for craftsmen, designers, researchers, and innovators. This center aims to modernize crafts, promote the transformation of African raw materials, and enhance local industrial sectors in textiles and design. The initiative will be piloted in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire’s second-largest city, with plans to expand to other African nations.
The launch was attended by notable figures, including Mr. Amadou Koné, Minister of Transport and Mayor of Bouaké, and His Excellency Othman El Ferdaous, Ambassador of Morocco to Côte d’Ivoire. Olivia Yacé, Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2021 and Miss World Africa 2022, also participated, highlighting the event’s significance.
Statements from Key Figures
Mr. Abdoulaye Diaw, Managing Director of ORUN, articulated the vision behind the initiative, stating that it transcends a single project and aims to create a movement centered on people, creativity, and commitment. He emphasized the need for collective mobilization to establish a sustainable ecosystem.
In her address, Olivia Yacé stressed the importance of supporting cultural industries as an engine for growth and job creation. She noted that ORUN is paving a new path for African creativity, blending heritage with future aspirations.
Ambassador Othman El Ferdaous highlighted Morocco’s leadership in valuing cultural heritage and emphasized the need for Africa to strengthen its autonomy in creating and financing cultural industries. He remarked on the blurred lines between crafts and industry, aligning with Côte d’Ivoire’s cultural policy trajectory.
Panel Discussion and Industry Insights
The launch event included a high-level panel focused on the challenges faced by CCIs. Key figures such as Mr. Paul-Harry Aithnard, Managing Director of Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire, and Mr. Jean-Arsène Yerima, Regional Director for Afreximbank, participated in discussions that addressed the structural issues within the sector. Mr. Omar Diop, UNESCO Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, also contributed insights, while Mr. Amine Tajeddine from the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic shared ongoing research and development efforts to modernize various crafts.
Conclusion of the Event
The event culminated in the unveiling of the “United States of Africa” football jersey, which ORUN is launching for the FIFA World Cup 2026. This initiative symbolizes continental unity and support for African teams.
Commitment to Sustainability
The Innovation Village is ISO 20121 certified, aligning with international standards such as those for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. ORUN’s commitment to sustainability reflects a holistic approach to building an economic model rooted in culture.
From April 13 to 18, the Innovation Village hosted various interactive and educational activities, showcasing the potential of youth, creativity, and innovation in shaping Africa’s future.
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Published on 2026-04-24 19:56:00 • By the Editorial Desk
