I am very excited to be collaborating with @AfricaCDC at this moment. They are open to cool collaborations with young talent on the continent, with a view to getting out important health messages. I have been immersed in the NFT space for a few months now, and when I approached them to look at supporting NFT artists, they were game.
The Organization has been on the frontlines of public health in Africa for the last five years dealing with tough situations, particularly the COVID-19 Pandemic and Ebola. Africa was an after thought when it came to vaccines and Africa CDC along with the leaders of our continent fought hard and demanded vaccine equity. Ultimately, our continent’s leaders came together, and with the incredible financial backing from Mastercard Foundation, will work on creating Africa’s own vaccine manufacturing capacity. That’s a huge deal and Africa CDC is spearheading this execution. There are a wide range of infectious diseases and non communicable diseases that Africa CDC must focus on. To connect with citizens of 54 countries, with various languages, cultures and connectivity is tough. Africa CDC is looking and new ways to share key health messages, and reach young audiences in particular.
For Women’s History Month, Africa CDC wanted to support the African woman and champion individuals who are #breakingthebias. And who more than #NFT artists with their immense creativity. African NFT artists lack support, and Africa CDC was open to offering it.
We bought two pieces of artwork which you’re looking at here. Both of which had significant impressions, traction and engagement on social media. Great art has a way of doing that ! This is what I have been advocating for, since leaving CNN: Think out of the box. Use creatives. And now … Think about how to use NFTs.
Yes you can pitch an Op Ed for a publication. Yes we can do an interview or run a social media paid campaign. But there are artists, who are hugely talented, have strong communities, and need support, in every single country, especially in Africa.
Buying NFT art is a win-win-win. The artist sells art, make some money, and their continued craft is enabled. Art can powerfully communicate key messages. It is simple, low risk, and gets companies dipping a toe into the Web 3, crypto, NFT space. Why not directly engage with creators who can support your messages, versus hiring an expensive PR firm that likely, for now, does not know much about NFTs or crypto.
Still, this is an experiment on my part and Africa CDC. Let’s see how we do. We are willing to take risks, and learn. At the core of it, for me, is that African creators need support. There are many organizations on the continent that can fund NFT purchases. We can innovate all together. It’s not going to break the bank. I am willing to stick my neck out, convince people, and just do it. We must find ways to elevate our cultural and creative economy, and invest in it, otherwise Africa will be the loser.
Please subscribe to my educational channel on NFTs The more people that understand NFTs, the more we can do together.
