Sierra Leone and Kenya have signed Statements of Intent with The Akuna Group during CHOGM 2026, establishing themselves as founding champions of the Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership. This voluntary initiative aims to link talent with investment and markets across the Commonwealth and beyond.
The agreements were signed by Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh from Sierra Leone, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr A. Korir Sing’Oei, and Sir Idris Elba representing The Akuna Group, in the presence of Sierra Leone’s President, Dr Julius Maada Bio, who received a message of goodwill from Ghana’s Hon. Joycelyn Tetteh MP.
Sir Idris highlighted the power of creativity to forge connections across cultures and transform those relationships into opportunities. He stated, “That’s really what we’re trying to do through Akuna. Bring people together, build those connections, and help turn creativity into opportunity, so more people can earn from their talent.”
For Sierra Leone, this partnership aligns with President Bio’s focus on human capital, as Chief Minister Sengeh noted: “Our young people are not a problem to be managed; they are the resource to invest in.” In Kenya, the collaboration enhances the Talanta Hela initiative, providing youth with pathways to market their creative enterprises.
The Akuna Group also aims to enhance skills and production across Africa. Its initiative, “From Script to Screen with AI,” in collaboration with Google and Curious Refuge and backed by a $1 million Google.org grant, will support emerging filmmakers in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and South Africa.
Additionally, Akuna Wallet Ltd’s recent entry into Ghana’s regulatory sandbox could facilitate financial innovations relevant to cross-border earnings.
Sir Idris has been involved in discussions with Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley on initiatives to connect African and Caribbean talent through cultural exchanges, and further engaged UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham on vocational training pathways for the creative industries, aiming to strengthen links between education and employment.
These agreements pave the way for enhanced collaboration among participating countries to improve skills, market access, and livelihoods within the creative sectors of Africa. The Akuna Group, chaired by Sir Idris Elba, continues to build the framework necessary for Africa’s creative economy, promoting local enterprise and sustainable growth.
