Beyond Borders

As Africa’s creative economy expands its global influence, this panel explores how cultural cooperation between Africa and Europe can be reimagined to centre African agency, ethics, and knowledge systems. Drawing on new research into how cultural relations can adapt to global disruption, digital transformation, and shifting labour markets, panellists will unpack the structural barriers shaping Africa–Europe cooperation—from market access and digital divides to postcolonial power dynamics, while spotlighting practitioner-led, decolonial, and youth-focused approaches that drive more equitable and future-ready models of cooperation.

Moderator: Caryn Green  — CEO, Sibikwa Arts Centre, South Africa 

Avril Louise Joffe — UNESCO Chair, Cultural Entrepreneurship & Policy, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Elise Cuny — Chair, Culture Solutions Europe, France

Joseph Gaylard — Independent Researcher, South Africa (V)

Dr Matolwandile Mtotywa — Senior Lecturer, Rhodes Business School, South Africa

Sinethemba Vitshima — Researcher, South African Cultural Observatory, South Africa

Q&A