France, South Africa Forge Creative Industry Ties at ICC Forum 2025
Leaders from France and South Africa’s cultural and creative industries (CCI) came together this week in Pretoria for the highly anticipated ICC Forum 2025, part of the ICC Immersion South Africa programme. The event, hosted at the French Residence in Pretoria, showcased dynamic partnerships, innovative projects, and the growing role of creative industries in driving economic, social, and cultural transformation.
Organized under the France 2030 initiative and implemented locally by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and Business France, the Forum brought together pioneering companies in fashion, architecture, heritage conservation, music tech, and digital arts. It marked a major step in deepening cross-cultural cooperation between France and South Africa.
Welcoming the delegation, French Ambassador to South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, H.E. Mr. David Martinon, emphasized the vital role of creative industries in fostering innovation, sustainability, and mutual understanding.
“ICC Immersion in South Africa is more than a showcase of French creativity — it’s a catalyst for long-term collaboration,” said Ambassador Martinon. “From sustainable fashion to immersive heritage experiences, these industries are engines of economic opportunity and social impact.”
Delegates from both countries showcased groundbreaking projects, including:
- ALLEGRIA – creators of immersive VVIP dining experiences at iconic sites like the Louvre and Versailles
- Fabrik & Moi – a Reunion Island fashion brand using upcycled materials to create luxury pieces
- SoundBirth – a French startup offering an AI-powered mobile platform for music distribution and artist growth
- Culturespaces – operators of immersive exhibitions in France, including the Atelier des Lumières
- Jakob + MacFarlane – renowned for sustainable architectural designs
- Memorist – a consortium offering heritage conservation and digitisation services globally
The Forum featured dynamic panel discussions tackling major themes such as:
- Tech & Start-Up Culture in CCI – exploring entrepreneurship’s impact on music, media, and content
- Green Design Futures – focusing on sustainable creativity across architecture and fashion
- Designing for Inclusion – examining how cultural institutions can engage new and diverse audiences
- Heritage and Urban Development – highlighting culture’s role in shaping sustainable cities
Speakers included regional creative leaders and international innovators, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and strategies.
The Forum concluded a 10-day immersion across Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town, where French delegates engaged in B2B meetings, site visits, and high-level networking. The in-country visit followed an earlier virtual phase that began in April 2025, offering insights into South Africa’s creative landscape.
The ICC Immersion South Africa 2025 programme continues to serve as a platform for strategic partnerships, cultural exchange, and business development, reinforcing France and South Africa’s shared vision for a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable creative economy.
For more information, visit:
👉 https://frenchinstitute.org.za/applications/arts-and-creative-industries/icc-immersion-programme/
