Kenya and USA Collaborate for Creative Economy Conference to Enhance Innovation
Kenya and the USA will co-host a Creative Economy Conference to promote talent and innovation in the creative sectors. The conference aims at economic empowerment for creatives and facilitates international collaboration. High-level officials, including Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and US Ambassador Marc Billard, emphasize the importance of this initiative for youth opportunities and enhancing job creation.
The governments of Kenya and the United States are set to co-host a significant Creative Economy Conference later this year, bringing together industry leaders, artists, and policymakers from both countries. This initiative aims to stimulate talent development and innovation across diverse creative sectors, including film, music, and digital arts, with an emphasis on creating economic opportunities for creatives.
This initiative results from bilateral dialogues between President William Ruto and US officials during his state visit to Atlanta last year. Salim Mvurya, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, emphasized the government’s dedication to enhancing the creative economy as a means of empowering young people.
Mvurya remarked, “We are focused on empowering creatives economically and providing opportunities that inspire growth,” highlighting that the conference will facilitate idea exchange, partnerships, and career development among Kenyan and American creatives. He noted the growing importance of the creative economy as a sector for job creation, especially for Kenya’s youth, driven by advancements in digital content creation, film production, and music.
The conference will include workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with industry experts from both nations. Mvurya reassured that the Kenyan government is expediting policies and legislative frameworks to create a favorable environment for young individuals in the creative sector.
The CS confirmed the government’s commitment to establishing the creative economy as a fundamental aspect of national development within the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). He stated, “We are working on policies that will support creatives to commercialize their talent, access funding, and thrive in the global market,” signaling that the forthcoming conference has excited Kenyan artists, filmmakers, and musicians eager to present their work on an international stage.
Mvurya expressed optimism that the event would attract influential players from Hollywood, the African film sector, and global streaming platforms. As the conference preparations progress, stakeholders are hopeful regarding the potential impact on Kenya’s creative sector, including enhanced investment, skills exchange, and international recognition.
Moreover, US Ambassador to Kenya, Marc Billard, reiterated the United States’ dedication to supporting Kenya’s creative industry, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the two nations in unlocking opportunities for the youth. Billard stated, “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.”
Ambassador Billard also underscored the vast experience of the US in the entertainment and digital arts industries, which Kenyan creatives can utilize to broaden their global outreach. He added that the conference would explore strategies to expand market access, encourage collaborative ventures, and reinforce policies for fair compensation for creatives. He remarked, “Industry stakeholders expect that the event will lead to lasting partnerships, benefiting both nations.”
The upcoming Creative Economy Conference represents a pivotal initiative between Kenya and the United States, aimed at fostering creativity, economic empowerment, and innovation in the creative sectors. With the participation of industry leaders and artists from both countries, the event is set to enhance job creation and global market opportunities. Commitment to collaboration and supportive policies will be vital for harnessing the potential of the creative economy in both nations.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
