Our arts work in Sub-Saharan Africa

Supporting creative sectors across Sub-Saharan Africa to drive innovation, foster cultural exchange, and build lasting connections with the UK and beyond.

Striking eyes with white eyeliner stare over the top of a woolly scarf for a fashion photo shoot
© IGC Fashion

About our arts work in Sub-Saharan Africa

The British Council's Arts programme in Sub-Saharan Africa supports the growth of sustainable creative sectors by fostering collaboration and building capacity among creative professionals and policymakers. 

We work closely with local partners—including artists, organisations, and hubs—to shape impactful programmes that drive innovation, mutual understanding, and economic prosperity. Our arts work in the region spans 11 countries: Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Our focus is on Fashion, Film, Music, Literature and Cultural Heritage, Visual Arts, and Creative Technology. Through cross-cultural learning opportunities, training programmes, grant funding, research and policy engagement, and other resources, we support creatives in the region to access new markets, develop essential skills, and share their stories globally.

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SoCreative Africa

Sharpen your skills with our free and self-paced e-learning creative economy courses for aspiring and early-stage young African entrepreneurs.

Spotlight on Creative DNA

Creative DNA promotes alternative and innovative approaches to the global fashion system with the ambition of demonstrating that the fashion sector across Sub-Saharan Africa is a viable career option for young people and a valuable contributor to the creative economy.

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Projects

Learn more about our latest work in Sub-Saharan Africa

Opportunities

Browse our current opportunities for artists and creative industry professionals, practitioners and organisations in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Resources

Explore our latest resources for arts professionals and organisations in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa, including research, guides, toolkits and reports.