Culture and Development in Africa (CULDEVA) is a strategic platform to reposition culture as a central pillar of Africa’s development agenda. While culture remains one of the continent’s most valuable assets for shaping identity, social cohesion, creativity, and innovation, it is still insufficiently integrated into development policy, planning, and investment frameworks across Africa.
CULDEVA responds to this gap by bringing together policymakers, cultural practitioners, academics, development partners, creative entrepreneurs, and diaspora stakeholders to critically examine how culture can drive inclusive growth, sustainable development, and social transformation. For CULDEVA, culture is not to be seen only as heritage to be preserved, but as a dynamic force capable of addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change, youth unemployment, digital transformation, migration, and urban development.
The International Conference on Culture and Development in Africa in 2026 (ICCDA ‘26) provides a timely space for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and policy innovation at a time when Africa is experiencing rapid demographic, technological, and environmental change. By foregrounding African perspectives, indigenous knowledge systems, and creative industries, the conference promotes home-grown solutions that are globally relevant, while rooted in African realities.
ICCDA ’26 also aligns with continental and global development frameworks, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in advancing cultural diversity, decent work, innovation, and sustainable cities. Through research-informed discussions, case studies, and cross-sector collaboration, the conference seeks to generate practical recommendations and partnerships that strengthen the role of culture in development planning across Africa.
Ultimately, CULDEVA aims to elevate culture from the margins of development discourse to its rightful place as a driver of Africa’s renewal, resilience, and future prosperity.