Covid-19 and the African cultural economy: an opportunity to reimagine and reinvigorate?

Abstract

This article takes a summary look at Africa as a whole to ask how has the Covid-19 pandemic played out in the context of a continent that, in the last decade, has considered culture as a key aspect of its modernisation and development. While drawing from a number of national examples, much of the focus is placed here on South Africa which has the most robust system of governance for culture and strongest support for the cultural industries. Where has the C-19 crisis left South Africa and what policy responses are in evidence, and how do these compare with other African nations? The paper reflects on the opportunities C-19 has provided to steer the course of the African cultural economy and offers a set of recommendations for public authorities to consider in supporting a just transition for an inclusive and transformed cultural economy on the African continent.