Olivier Laouchez, Executive Chairman of Trace, to Attend UN General Assembly to Champion Solutions for African Creative Industries and Education

24 September 2024 - Press release

Olivier Laouchez, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Trace, will be attending the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York from September 23-29. Laouchez, a leading figure in the African creative industries, will advocate for innovative solutions to address two critical challenges for the continent: the growth of the creative industries and the provision of vocational training for Africa's youth.

Laouchez's agenda for the week will include participation in high-profile events and bilateral meetings with African and international leaders, where he will present Trace's vision to uplift Africa's youth and creative industries.

Empowering Africa's Creative Economy

As Africa continues to be a global force in music, fashion, and culture, Laouchezaims to spotlight the need for greater infrastructure, investment, and industry collaboration to support the creative economy. "We have seen an unstoppable rise ofAfrobeats, Amapiano, and other creative movements from Africa that are making waves globally. It is time to ensure that this cultural export translates into sustainable growth for the continent, through investments in talent development and industry infrastructure" said Laouchez.

Trace, under Laouchez's leadership, has expanded its role beyond media to become a key player in creative services, content production, and vocational training. Through its Trace Academia platform, Trace has already provided over 300,000 young Africans with free online vocational training, with a goal to reach millions more in the coming years.

A Full Agenda of Advocacy and Action programme

During his time at the UNGA, Laouchez will participate in several critical events:

• Comic Relief US's Roundtable: "Future-Proofing Social Change:
  EmpoweringaNewGeneration"(September23th, 2024)-MrLaouchez will join an exclusive roundtable discussion hosted by Comic Relief US and Goals House. This dynamic conversation will bring together cross-sector leaders to explore how young changemakers can be empowered to tackle pressing global issues such as health, climate change, and racial equity.
• Afreximbank Africa Diaspora Center Launch (September 23th, 2024)- At this event, Laouchez will engage with fellow African business and government leaders to discuss the role of the African diaspora in strengtheningAfrica's economic future.
• Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) - Unstoppable Africa Panel (September25th,2024)-Laouchez will speak on the panel 'The Unstoppable Rise of Afrobeats and Amapiano: What's in it for Africa?" addressing how
• African music's global success can drive economic growth back home.
• African Union High-Level Side Event (September, 27th 2024) - Laouchez will join African Heads of State and industry leaders for a dialogue on promoting innovative instruments to mobilize domestic resources and boost private sector contributions in the TVET ecosystem in Africa. The discussion will focus on expanding skills development and education systems across the continenttomeetthegrowingneedsofAfricanyouthenteringtheworkforce.