Sierra Leone signs creative economy deal at CHOGM
The nation joined Kenya in signing a Statement of Intent with The Akuna Group to boost creative industries.
Sierra Leone and Kenya signed Statements of Intent with The Akuna Group at CHOGM 2026, becoming founding champions of the Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership. Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh signed for Sierra Leone, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr A. Korir Sing’Oei for Kenya, and Sir Idris Elba for Akuna. The ceremony occurred in the presence of President Dr Julius Maada Bio.
The partnership aims to connect talent with skills, investment, enterprise, and markets across the Commonwealth. Sir Idris Elba, Chairman of The Akuna Group, stated the goal is to help turn creativity into opportunity so more people can make a living from their talent. For Sierra Leone, the agreement aligns with President Bio’s human capital agenda, with Chief Minister Sengeh calling young people a resource to invest in.
The collaboration complements Kenya's Talanta Hela initiative, offering youth creative enterprises a route to market. Akuna’s wider work includes a US$1 million Google.org grant for a programme training emerging filmmakers in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and South Africa.
Why it mattersSierra Leone's young people will benefit from investment and opportunities to earn a living from their creative talents through this partnership.