Kenya and USA Collaborate for Creative Economy Conference to Foster Innovation
Kenya and the USA will jointly host a Creative Economy Conference to unite industry leaders and creatives, promoting talent and innovation in film, music, and digital arts. This initiative stems from diplomatic discussions and aims to empower youth economically, featuring workshops and networking opportunities. Key stakeholders are optimistic about enhancing investment, skills exchange, and market access, ultimately seeking lasting partnerships between the nations.
The government of Kenya, in collaboration with the United States, is set to host a pioneering Creative Economy Conference later this year. This event will gather artists, industry leaders, and policymakers from both countries to promote talent development and innovation within the creative sectors, specifically in film, music, and digital arts, ultimately aiming to enhance economic opportunities for creatives.
This initiative is a result of discussions between President William Ruto and US officials during his state visit to Atlanta last year. The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, emphasized the government’s dedication to fortifying the creative economy to empower youth economically. He stated that the conference would serve as a platform for providing resources and opportunities to stimulate growth within this sector.
Mvurya pointed out the creative economy’s significance as a driver for job creation, particularly in Kenya, where sectors such as digital content creation and film production are flourishing. He noted that the conference will include workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions featuring industry experts from both nations, focusing on sustainable career development for participants.
In a commitment to ensure long-term benefits, Mvurya announced that the Kenyan government is expediting policies and legislative frameworks to support young individuals in the creative sector. The objective is to position the creative economy as a pillar of national development, consistent with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Mvurya further emphasized on policies aimed at helping creatives commercialize their talents, secure funding, and succeed in the global market. The forthcoming conference has generated significant enthusiasm among Kenyan artists, filmmakers, and musicians who see it as a valuable opportunity to showcase their work internationally.
The CS expressed optimism that the event would attract prominent figures from Hollywood, the African film industry, and global streaming platforms. As preparations for the conference progress, various stakeholders in the creative industry are hopeful this event will catalyze increased investment, skills exchange, and international recognition for Kenya’s creative sector.
U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Marc Billard, reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting Kenya’s creative industry, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the two nations to unlock opportunities. Billard remarked, “The youth are our future, and creating opportunities that connect talent, skills, and knowledge between Kenya and the US remains a key objective that we will continue to advance.”
He also underscored the vast experience the U.S. holds in the entertainment and digital arts sectors, which Kenyan creatives can leverage to scale their work globally. The conference will seek to expand market access, encourage partnerships, and strengthen policies ensuring fair compensation for creatives. Billard concluded, “Industry stakeholders expect that the event will lead to lasting partnerships, benefiting both nations.”
The Creative Economy Conference co-hosted by Kenya and the United States represents a significant initiative aimed at strengthening the creative sectors of both nations. With an emphasis on talent development, economic empowerment, and fostering collaboration, this event is poised to offer valuable opportunities and insights for creatives. The commitment from both governments to support the creative economy signifies an important step towards innovation and job creation in these industries.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
