The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is set to empower 1.2 million young Africans through the launch of its AFRIMA Kreative Academy (TAKA), a landmark initiative that aims to reshape the continent’s creative sector over the next five years through education, skills development and job creation.

Unveiled during the 2025 AFRIMA Music Conference and Host City announcement held at the African Union Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the program is themed “Learn and Prosper”.

It will target Africans aged 18 to 35, with a special focus on underserved and vulnerable communities.

AFRIMA founder and executive producer Mike Dada said the initiative addresses the urgent need for skilled professionals in Africa’s growing music industry.

“Despite the continent’s talent, there is still a major gap in structured training and access to opportunities,” he said.

“This is our response to the urgent need for practical learning and job creation in the music and creative industry space.

“If Africa wants to keep competing at the global level in the music and cultural industry, we must do more than just celebrate talent. We have to invest in training and preparing our young people for real opportunities in the industry.”

TAKA will offer world-class training in music production, music business and entrepreneurship, event technical production, digital technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), among others.

Each year, the academy will run three four-month training cycles. Trainers will include top producers, successful artists, expert sound engineers and experienced professionals from both Africa and the diaspora.

“Beyond skill acquisition, TAKA is expected to drive broader social and economic benefit including improved knowledge and capacity among young creatives, increased job creation, the promotion of African culture, and overall economic empowerment that will drive prosperous Africa,” Dada told stakeholders at the unveiling event in Addis Ababa, where Lagos was also announced as the Host City for AFRIMA 2025.

He added that AFRIMA plans to ensure the long-term sustainability of the academy through global partnerships with key players in the creative and tech industries, the creation of an endowment fund and efforts to drive generational impact.

In addition to TAKA, AFRIMA is also preparing to take African music to the world with the launch of a Global Tour in 2026.

The tour will feature live music mega shows, performances and cultural events in major cities across Africa and internationally.

AFRIMA’s regional director for Central Africa, Nde Ndifonka, shared the news, saying, “We’re excited to share that starting in 2026, this global tour will become a major part of AFRIMA’s yearly activities. Many music fans and industry players have asked for something like this, and we’re happy to make it happen.”

“Music concerts and tours are important for building a strong music industry. They give artists the chance to perform live, connect with fans, earn money, and sharpen their stage skills. This tour will travel through many cities in Africa and beyond. We believe it will open new doors for African music and help it shine even more globally.”

Ndifonka also said AFRIMA 2025, which kicked off with last week’s unveiling in Ethiopia, will climax with the Awards Week from November 25 to 30.

The week will feature key events including the Diamond Showcase, Africa Music Business Summit, Nominees Party, Music Village Festival and the Main Awards Ceremony on Sunday, November 30.

The ceremony will be broadcast live on more than 84 TV stations and digital platforms worldwide.