Cote d’Ivoire Eyes Nollywood, Seeks to Boost Audiovisual Content Market
Ferdinand Ekechukwu
The second edition of Salon International de Contenu Audiovisuel (SICA), hosted November 5 to 7 in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, marked a pivotal moment for the African audiovisual industry, featuring prominent figures like Nigerian Director/CEO of KAP Group, Kunle Afolayan, and French-American Producer & Founder of TOG-The Original Group Alex Berger.
Also in attendance was South African Lala Tuku, Executive Video Entertainment Head of Content at SABC, alongside Michel Mutombo Cartier, CEO of Canal+ Afrique.
Under the aegis of the Ivorian Ministry of Communication and the high patronage of Minister Amadou Coulibaly, the event, a statement noted, cemented Abidjan’s reputation as the key hub for audiovisual professionals across Africa, offering a vibrant showcase of innovative and diverse productions.
The International Content Market for African Audiovisual Content also drew an impressive assembly of over 250 industry professionals from around 20 countries, including 50 buyers and 100 influential speakers, solidifying SICA’s role as a premier platform for promoting and developing African audiovisual content on a global stage.
In its second consecutive year, the Ministry, in partnership with Liliane da Cruz and Samira Haddi of France-based Indicium Consulting, a BtoB event management company, crafted an enriched agenda centered on “Innovation, Diversity, and Financing in the Audiovisual Sector: Solutions for a New Era of Content in Africa.”
This theme underscored the event’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of audiovisual creation through thought-provoking panels, conferences, and masterclasses.
The discussions addressed pressing issues such as strategies for revenue diversification, the impact of Brandtainment, and how artificial intelligence supports screenwriters and producers. A special highlight was the day-long excursion on November 7, which offered around 100 guests the opportunity to explore picturesque local sites with potential for future film shoots.
This not only provided a scenic backdrop but also facilitated the forging of lasting professional connections among participants. The depth of discussions and the initiation of numerous collaborations underscore the event’s critical role in shaping the African audiovisual ecosystem. “The first steps are very promising,” commented Liliane da Cruz, CEO of Indicium Consulting. “We are determined to make SICA Abidjan the unifying event for the audiovisual sector in Africa.”
SICA Abidjan 2024 not only bridged the gap between the continent’s English- and French-speaking professionals but also spurred the creation of a uniquely African business model. With the next event already scheduled for June 26-28, 2025, the future looks bright for further innovations and advancements in the sector.
