Leading marketing communications group, Verdant Zeal Group Limited, is set to examine how African culture can be transformed into a major economic asset through entertainment, as it prepares to host the 14th edition of its annual Innovention Series on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

The virtual round-table discussion, themed “Culture as Currency: Exporting African Identity Through Entertainment,” will bring together key players in the entertainment, lifestyle, arts and culture sectors to explore how African music, film, fashion, media and other creative industries can expand their global influence, generate economic opportunities and shape international narratives.

The event will feature Efe Omoregbe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Now Muzik and Buckwyld Media Network, and Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, as guest speakers.

They are expected to share insights into the commercial potential of Africa's entertainment industry, the economic value of cultural expression and how African creatives can leverage storytelling to reach wider audiences and compete more effectively in international markets.

Speaking ahead of the event, Executive Vice Chairman of Verdant Zeal Group and Convener of the Innovention Series, Dr Tunji Olugbodi, said the theme was particularly relevant at a time when African culture was increasingly influencing global conversations, trends and markets.

Olugbodi, a communication veteran, argued that culture should be viewed beyond its traditional role as a source of identity and creative expression, stressing its potential to drive enterprise, create jobs and strengthen Africa's position in the global economy.

According to him, the discussion will examine practical ways to harness the growing international appeal of African creative products and translate cultural influence into sustainable economic value.

His words:

“This year’s Innovention series explores culture as currency. It will seek to examine how African music, film, fashion, media, and creative industries are shaping global narratives and creating new opportunities across the world.”

“It will seek to inspire meaningful conversations on the intersection of culture, commerce, and creativity while exploring practical opportunities for building a sustainable and globally competitive African creative industry.”

Innovention Series and Africa's creative economy

Since its maiden edition in 2012, the Innovention Series has positioned itself as a thought-leadership platform focused on challenging conventional thinking, examining Africa's development trajectory and generating ideas capable of driving progress.

The 14th edition is expected to extend that mandate to the creative economy, with emphasis on the relationship between cultural identity, commercial opportunities and international market access.

Across music, film, fashion and digital media, African creative expressions offer opportunities to reach audiences beyond the continent. However, converting global visibility into sustainable economic returns requires stronger commercial structures, effective distribution and strategies that enable creators and businesses to maximise the value of their intellectual property.

The discussions are therefore expected to explore how African creatives and industry stakeholders can build a more sustainable and globally competitive sector by connecting cultural influence with business opportunities.

The virtual event is free and open to participants, who are required to register ahead of the programme through the official Innovention Series website www.innoventionseries.org.