FESPACO, Africa's largest film festival held in Burkina Faso, is showcasing films that focus on strong women and pressing social issues. Apolline Traore's film 'Sira' depicts a woman's fight against jihadists, a reality in Burkina Faso. Despite challenges such as poverty and terrorism, the festival celebrates African cinema with a theme of 'The Culture of Peace' for 2023. Notably, half of the films submitted were directed by women, reflecting the growing prominence of female filmmakers in Africa.

In Southern Benin, women cassava processors have adopted a bio-digester technology designed by Grace Chidikofan of NGO Afrique Espérance, which converts cassava peels into biogas, replacing firewood in gari production and providing organic compost for fertilization. This initiative aims to reduce deforestation, health risks from smoke inhalation, and reliance on imported fertilizers, while increasing the income of 350 women in the commune of Zé.

The Ag'Na Festival, translating to 'culture' in Tamasheq, has been revived by Manny Ansar in Koulikoro, Mali, after being on hiatus since 2012. The festival serves as a gathering for artists from across Mali and provides a platform for those displaced by the security crisis. Songhoy Blues, a band formed in response to Sharia law in northern Mali, and Kader Terhanine, a rising star in Tuareg music, are among the featured talents. The festival fosters a sense of musical nostalgia and aims to promote cultural healing and solidarity.

The Ag'Na Festival, translating to 'culture' in Tamasheq, has been revived by Manny Ansar in Koulikoro, Mali, after being on hiatus since 2012. The festival serves as a gathering for artists from across Mali and provides a platform for those displaced by the security crisis. Songhoy Blues, a band formed in response to Sharia law in northern Mali, and Kader Terhanine, a rising star in Tuareg music, are among the featured talents. The festival fosters a sense of musical nostalgia and aims to promote cultural healing and solidarity.

Activist and former environment minister Haidar El Ali is leading reforestation projects in Senegal to prepare the country for climate change. He is not only planting trees but also engaging the youth in these environmental efforts.

Tema, Ghana's largest seaport, is not only pivotal for the country's imports and exports but has also emerged as a vibrant center for young creatives. Musician and lyricist Kwame Write offers an introduction to this dynamic locale, known as Container City.