Idris Elba’s Akuna Group is partnering with Kenya to support young creatives.
Kenya and Idris Elba’s Akuna Group aim to connect young creatives with funding, technology, training and international markets.
A Kenya creative partnership with British actor Idris Elba’s Akuna Group aims to create jobs for young people. The initiative will connect African content creators with funding, digital technology, artificial intelligence skills and international markets.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei announced the agreement after signing a Statement of Intent with Elba. They signed the document on November 3, 2026, alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.
Kenya creative partnership to support Talanta Hela
The agreement falls under the Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership, which brings together Kenya, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Barbados. It also supports Talanta Hela, Kenya’s government programme for identifying and nurturing talent.
In a statement on X, Sing’Oei outlined cooperation on responsible AI, digital innovation and youth skills development. Creator financing and access to global markets also form part of the agreement.
For Kenyan artists, the partnership seeks to help turn creative work into income and attract investment. Sing’Oei said the ambition was to connect local talent with technology and opportunities across the Commonwealth. Through those connections, he said, creativity could support dignified jobs, growing businesses and national influence.
Elba invited to Kenya for programme launch
Meanwhile, Sing’Oei said President William Ruto had invited Elba to Kenya during the forthcoming Internet Governance Forum. The programme is expected to launch during that event. The principal secretary conveyed the invitation on Ruto’s behalf.
The agreement follows virtual discussions in September 2026, when Elba raised concerns about barriers facing young African creatives. He called for practical support through creative education, access to international markets and reliable digital payment systems.
Akuna Group has also partnered with Google and Curious Refuge on a separate training initiative for African filmmakers. That initiative aims to build artificial intelligence skills while providing funding for selected projects.
