Kenya and USA to Host Creative Economy Conference to Enhance Opportunities

Kenya and the United States will co-host a Creative Economy Conference focused on boosting talent and innovation in the creative sectors, including film and music. The conference aims to provide networking opportunities and foster economic initiatives for young creatives while ensuring policy support for sustainable career development. Both Kenyan and US leaders express optimism for increased collaboration and investment in these sectors.

The governments of Kenya and the United States are set to co-host a significant Creative Economy Conference aimed at fostering talent development and driving innovation within the creative sectors. This event will gather industry leaders, artists, and policymakers from both countries, focusing on enhancing economic opportunities in film, music, and digital arts. The initiative stems from discussions between Kenyan President William Ruto and US officials during Ruto’s state visit to Atlanta last year.

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, emphasized the government’s dedication to enhancing the creative economy as a pathway for youth empowerment. He mentioned, “We are focused on empowering creatives economically and providing opportunities that inspire growth,” indicating that the conference will facilitate idea exchange, partnership building, and sustainable career development for both Kenyan and American creatives.

Furthermore, the Cabinet Secretary reiterated that the creative economy plays a critical role in job creation for the youth, particularly in Kenya’s thriving digital content, film, and music sectors. He stated that the conference will include workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions with industry experts, intending to create a nurturing environment for young creatives. Mvurya assured that policies and legislative frameworks are being fast-tracked to support these initiatives.

The government views the creative economy as central to national development as outlined in the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Mvurya highlighted efforts to assist creatives in commercializing their talents, accessing funding, and succeeding in international markets, generating enthusiasm among local artists, filmmakers, and musicians ahead of the event.

US Ambassador to Kenya, Marc Billard, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two nations, stating, “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.” He underscored the US’s experience in entertainment and digital arts, which could boost Kenyan creatives’ global reach.

The conference aims to explore market access, foster joint ventures, and formulate policies that ensure fair compensation for artists. Billard expressed optimism that the event will foster lasting partnerships, benefiting both countries and marking a pivotal moment for Kenya’s creative sector.

In summary, the upcoming Creative Economy Conference symbolizes a collaborative effort between Kenya and the United States to enhance the creative sectors of both nations. By fostering talent and innovation, the conference aims to create significant economic opportunities for creatives, particularly the youth. With commitments from both governments, this event is poised to pave the way for lasting partnerships and market expansion within the creative industries.

Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke