Kenya has signed a partnership with Hollywood star Sir Idris Elba’s Akuna Group to open up opportunities for young people in the country’s creative industry. The deal links local talent with financing, investors and new technology.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei signed a Statement of Intent with Elba on Kenya’s behalf at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2026) in Antigua and Barbuda. He announced the deal on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
“Our ambition is to connect Kenya’s extraordinary creative talent to technology, investment and opportunities,” Sing’oei said, adding that the goal was “turning creativity into dignified work, scalable enterprise and national influence.”
The framework covers the creative industries, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, skills development and access to international markets, as well as financing for content creators. It is expected to strengthen the government’s Talanta Hela programme, which supports young people in earning a living from their talents in sport and the creative arts.
The deal falls under the Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership, which brings together Kenya, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Barbados. President William Ruto has invited Elba to visit Kenya during the upcoming Internet Governance Forum, where the programme is expected to be launched.
The agreement follows a virtual meeting between Sing’oei and Elba in September, at which they discussed the challenges facing young African artists and creative entrepreneurs. Elba stressed the need for practical support, including professional networks, access to markets, creative education, reliable payment systems and emerging technologies.
Akuna Group, which Elba chairs, is already working with Google and the online AI filmmaking school Curious Refuge on a training and mentorship programme for African filmmakers, which Elba announced in October. The programme provides production funding for selected projects, and the filmmakers retain ownership of their work.
Elba, a British actor, producer and musician of Sierra Leonean and Ghanaian heritage, is best known for his roles in the television series Luther and The Wire. He has long championed investment in Africa’s creative and entertainment sectors.
