Sierra Leone and Kenya join creative economy partnership
The two nations signed Statements of Intent with The Akuna Group at CHOGM 2026 to connect talent with markets.
Sierra Leone and Kenya became founding champions of the Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership by signing Statements of Intent with The Akuna Group at CHOGM 2026. This initiative aims to link talent with skills, investment, enterprise, and markets across the Commonwealth. Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh signed for Sierra Leone, and Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr A. Korir Sing’Oei signed for Kenya, with Sir Idris Elba representing The Akuna Group.
The agreement aligns with President Bio’s human capital agenda for Sierra Leone. Chief Minister Sengeh stated, “Our young people are not a problem to be managed; they are the resource to invest in.” In Kenya, the collaboration complements the Talanta Hela initiative, which Dr Sing’Oei said would give “youth creative enterprises a route to market.” Sir Idris Elba, Chairman of The Akuna Group, aims to help people earn from their talent.
Akuna’s wider work includes a US$1 million Google.org grant for a program training filmmakers in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and South Africa. In Ghana, Akuna Wallet Ltd is exploring financial innovation within a Bank of Ghana regulatory sandbox. Discussions also occurred regarding a Barbados-led initiative to connect African and Caribbean talent.
Why it mattersSierra Leonean and Kenyan youth in creative industries will gain new routes to markets and opportunities to earn from their talents.