Kenya is seeking to play a bigger role in Africa’s growing creative economy, with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei holding talks with globally acclaimed actor and filmmaker Idris Elba.
The two held a virtual meeting on Tuesday, where they discussed ways of creating more opportunities for young African creatives.
Sing’oei said he conveyed President William Ruto’s greetings and appreciation to Elba for his work across the continent.
He said Elba stressed the need to move beyond inspiring young creatives and give them practical tools to turn their talent into sustainable careers.
The tools include access to payment systems, professional networks, global markets, creative education and emerging technologies.
The discussions also focused on the forthcoming Commonwealth Summit in Antigua and Barbuda and the planned launch of the Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership.
The partnership is expected to put young people, enterprise, technology and cultural expression at the centre of efforts to promote shared prosperity.
Sing’oei said Kenya was ready to serve as a “continental anchor” for the initiative.
“Our young creatives must not remain at the margins of the global creative economy,” he said.
“They must be its storytellers, innovators, entrepreneurs and owners equipped to earn from their talent.”
The talks come as Kenya steps up efforts to position its creative sector as an important part of the economy.
Invest Kenya says the creative sector contributes more than five per cent of Kenya’s GDP, with opportunities spanning music, film, sports and cultural industries.
Elba, through his Akuna Group, has also been pushing for greater use of technology and financial solutions to address barriers facing African creatives.
In 2024, he launched Akuna Wallet in Ghana as a financial tool aimed at supporting the continent’s creative sector.
The latest talks add to Kenya’s growing engagement with Elba and his creative ventures.
The Kenya Film Commission previously partnered with Akuna Group for a creative economy roundtable in Nairobi, where Elba shared ideas on the future of African cinema.
The meeting also comes weeks after Ruto announced that Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group had agreed to establish a presence in Nairobi, describing the move as a vote of confidence in Kenya’s creative talent and reforms.
Kenya now hopes to turn such partnerships into wider opportunities for young creatives to access markets, technology, investment and ownership of their work.
