Report – Success Stories in the Creative Industries in Africa and other Emerging Markets

This report, “Success Stories in the Creative Industries in Africa and Other Emerging Markets,” profiles 12 creative businesses from six African countries and compares them with 10 examples from markets such as India and Vietnam. Conducted through Proparco’s CREA Fund technical assistance, the study aims to deepen understanding of the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) and promote increased investment in the sector.

The Attention Economy in the Digital Age

Digital firms in the attention economy use business models that monetise consumer attention, mainly through advertising. This provides free or discounted services to users, who “pay” by viewing ads. While this creates economic value, it also brings negative side effects—such as reduced cognitive abilities—that may impact GDP. Compared to traditional media, digital platforms, especially social media, amplify these effects due to their unique features. Regulators can address these harms, for example, by restricting the most damaging platform features.