The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a partnership with internationally acclaimed actor and filmmaker Sir Idris Elba to strengthen the country’s creative economy through investment, technology and access to international markets.
The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, is expected to expand opportunities for local creatives through skills development, creator financing and digital innovation.
Speaking about the partnership, Permanent Secretary Dr Korir Sing’Oei said that the new agreement would support talent identification and nurturing.
“Our ambition is to connect Kenya’s extraordinary creative talent to technology, investment and opportunities across the Commonwealth, turning creativity into dignified work, scalable enterprise and national influence,” he said.
The Statement of Intent was signed by the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Foreign Affairs, Dr A. Korir Sing’oei, representing Kenya, and Elba, who is the chairman of the Akuna Group, a global creative, entertainment and media enterprise he founded.
The PS, Dr Sing’Oei also said the partnership will focus on strengthening cooperation in the creative economy, responsible artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation and youth empowerment.
“It establishes a pathway for cooperation in the creative economy, responsible AI, digital innovation, youth skills, creator financing and access to global markets within the context of Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership,” he said.
The Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership brings together Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Barbados to promote the creative economy as a driver of economic growth, enterprise development and international cooperation.
It is also expected to complement the government’s Talanta Hela Programme by creating opportunities for young creatives to access financing, develop their skills and commercialise their work.
“The partnership is a shot in the arm of the Talanta Hela programme, which supports talent identification and nurturing, as it will provide route to market and strengthen the potential for monetising youth creative enterprises,” Dr Sing’Oei added.
During the engagement, Dr Sing’oei, on behalf of President William Ruto, invited Elba to visit Kenya during the forthcoming Internet Governance Forum (IGF), where the programme is expected to be unveiled.
The partnership seeks to connect Kenyan creative talent with technology, investment and international platforms, positioning the sector as a contributor to national development and youth employment.
