Role of Cultural Diplomacy in Promoting Economic Development in Africa. A Case Study of Kenya

Abstract

One of the key reasons states pursue International Relations is for economic development and with the resurgence of soft power approaches in global affairs, cultural diplomacy is a key component of human and economic development in international relations hence the need for Africa and Kenya in particular to harness and utilize cultural diplomacy to advance its foreign policy interests. The existing knowledge on cultural diplomacy does not fully focus on it as a tool for negotiating better with investors to promote economic development and it is for this reason that the study aimed at analyzing the role cultural diplomacy plays in Africa to bring significant impact on economic development The main objective therefore, was to assess the role of cultural diplomacy in promoting economic development in Africa. The study found that African states recognize cultural diplomacy as a tool for advancing their foreign policy interests, but that cultural diplomacy has not been used to its full potential. As a result, the study aimed to determine how Africa, particularly Kenya, can fully utilize and harness cultural diplomacy, given the continent's rich and diverse cultural heritage, which will significantly boost economic development. The study indicated that Kenya has a lot of potential in regards to cultural diplomacy and that the answer lies in a combined effect of the different elements of cultural diplomacy to promote economic development in the country. The study employed liberalism theory in the course of analysis. Liberalism advocates for any diplomatic engagement that include negotiations, cooperation and peaceful methods of interaction therefore applicable to cultural diplomacy. The study utilized a case study design and qualitative data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. The target population for the study included those involved in cultural diplomacy activities such as Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, sportspersons and artists. The findings of the study indicate that cultural diplomacy can enhance economic development through promotion and recognition of Kiswahili language to enhance trade, global intercultural dialogue attracting FDI, enhancing Kenya’s image through Cultural Tourism, Sports Diplomacy and Identification and Appointment of Cultural Ambassadors. The findings of the study also reveal that Kenya experiences several challenges that undermine cultural diplomacy in enhancing economic development that include; financial challenges, lack of coordination between MDA’s, intellectual property and copyright infringement and the lack of culture preservation .The study therefore provided recommendations that include investing and leveraging on cultural and creative industries to grow local and worldwide markets for creative goods and services, in addition cultural diplomacy be promoted and made more widely known at all levels, from government officials to Kenyans in the diaspora and lastly the study advocates for more inclusion of the private sector in cultural diplomacy activities in Kenya.