Kigali, Rwanda – The Ministry of Youth and Arts is proud to announce that Rwanda will host the Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange & Showcases (ACCES) for the first time, from November 14th to 16th, 2024.

Organized by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF), this pan-African event will bring together artists, industry professionals, and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to celebrate and shape the continent’s dynamic music industry.

At a press conference in Kigali, Minister of State for Youth and Arts Sandrine Umutoni, MIAF Executive Director Eddie Hatitye, and Rwandan artist Uncle Austin introduced ACCES 2024 to the public.

“This event is a historic moment for Rwanda’s creative economy,” said Minister Umutoni. “ACCES 2024 offers unique opportunities for young creatives to gain knowledge, build networks, and access international platforms that will propel their careers.”

Minister Umutoni emphasized that ACCES 2024 aligns with the Ministry’s strategy to develop a sustainable cultural and creative industries (CCI) sector. “Our goal is to empower Rwandan artists, helping them seize opportunities and generate revenue. ACCES 2024 is a perfect platform for this,” she noted.

She also highlighted the importance of safeguarding artists’ intellectual property (IP) rights as a key driver for sustainable growth in Rwanda’s creative economy. “Protecting IP ensures artists receive fair recognition and compensation, fostering long-term development in the sector.”

ACCES 2024 will showcase top African artists, with a special emphasis on Rwandan talent, positioning Rwanda as a central hub in Africa’s creative economy.