The African audio industry, podcasts and voice acting included, has the potential to drive economic development and create jobs and opportunities for people across the continent. At the moment, the audio industry in Africa is mostly utilized in two ways, music and radio. Reports show that radio media is still loved by Africans, even though it is one of the oldest forms of media. Music is equally a sensation in Africa, and lately, its unique sounds are attracting listeners from other parts of the globe. On the other hand, podcasting and voice acting are growing steadily but slowly. Both fields exist in selected countries of the continent, and they are not fully explored by either creatives or media consumers.
This is because the industry faces a number of challenges, including but not limited to cramped access to funding, inadequate resources, and limited recognition and support from governments and policymakers. The purpose of this paper is to highlight that the full potential of the audio industry can be unlocked through investment in podcasters and voice actors. This will, in turn, add value and growth to Africa’s economic development.
The paper explores the economic contributions of podcasters and voice actors, as well as recommendations for government and policymakers’ scrutiny. They provide suggestions on how these stakeholders can support the audio industry. By addressing the challenges faced by audio creatives, governments and policymakers can drive the rapid growth of the industry. In turn, they will create jobs and economic opportunities for audio creatives, as well as promote diversity and inclusion in the respective industries.