Africa Creator Festival Launches to Empower Travel and Lifestyle Content Creators

The Africa Creator Festival (ACF) officially launched in April 2025 at the JC Le Roux Brand House in Cape Town, marking a powerful new chapter in Africa’s creator economy. The event welcomed over 20 travel and lifestyle micro and mid-tier influencers, media professionals, and industry leaders to celebrate and accelerate the continent’s digital storytelling revolution.

Founded by Jolene Roelofse, ACF is designed to serve as a platform, community, and catalyst for creators across Africa. The launch event underscored a collective commitment to recognising and nurturing content creation and influencer marketing as vital, respected careers and as great teaser to the Festival that will take place in Johannesburg on 7^th June 2025.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to stand before you as we launch the Africa Creator Festival. This festival is born from a deep passion and a strong conviction: that the creator economy in Africa is not just emerging—it’s exploding with potential, and you, the travel and lifestyle creators, are at the forefront. We are here to unite Africa’s creators,” said Jolene Roelofse , Founder of AFC, during her opening remarks.

The SABC is the broadcast sponsor of the festival, for the second year in a row. “At The SABC, we recognise the immense potential of South Africa’s creator economy. We see creators as vital storytellers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who are shaping our cultural landscape and driving economic growth. As a public broadcaster, we are committed to providing a platform for these voices and helping them reach wider audiences. Which is why we are so excited and committed to this partnership,” said Ongeziwe “Oz” Lupuwana, the newly appointed SABC Integrated Marketing Head.

Highlights from the Launch:

• Panel 1: “How to Grow and Expand Your Reach Globally, as a Creator” Experts shared proven strategies for scaling personal brands and accessing global audiences. Speakers included:
  • Maps Maponyane
  • Thobi Rose
  • Moderated by Zahirah Marty
• Panel 2: “Building the Africa Creator Economy through the Global World of Travel” This discussion explored how creators can reshape African tourism through authentic storytelling and sustainable partnerships with tourism boards. Speakers included:
  • Jolene Roelofse
  • Shireen Onia
  • Moderated by Zahirah Marty
• YouTube Masterclass with Danilo Acquisto The South African media entrepreneur and co-founder of Special Effects Media, offered hands-on advice on content production, influencer marketing, and making an impact on YouTube.

The selection of JC Le Roux Brand House as the event venue emphasised the festival’s aim to spotlight South African excellence and lifestyle experiences.

As the Africa Creator Festival moves forward to the Creator festival, taking place on 7^th June 2025, in Johannesburg, promises to be a vital touchpoint for education, connection, and innovation in the content creation space—equipping African creators with the tools and knowledge to thrive locally and shine globally.

Tickets for the festival available on Quicket: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/298681-africa-creator-festival/#/