Strathmore, The Burns Brothers unveil institute targeting one million creative jobs

Strathmore University Business School has partnered with US-based The Burns Brothers to establish the Creative Economy Africa Institute, a Pan-African platform aimed at strengthening Africa's creative industries and creating one million jobs across the continent by 2035.

The institute will focus on developing Africa's creative and cultural industries as key drivers of economic growth by equipping creatives, entrepreneurs and policymakers with the skills and knowledge needed to build sustainable businesses and strengthen the continent's creative ecosystem.

According to the partners, the initiative comes at a time when Africa's creative economy is increasingly recognised as a major contributor to economic development.

Citing UNESCO estimates, they noted that the sector has the potential to generate more than $20 billion in annual revenues and create over 20 million jobs, despite Africa currently capturing only a small share of the global creative economy.

The partnership was announced during a meeting attended by Strathmore University Business School Executive Dean Dr. Caesar Mwangi, alongside The Burns Brothers' founding partners Mike and John Burns, among other stakeholders.

The participants emphasised the need to build platforms, strengthen ecosystem infrastructure and enhance collaboration between Africa and the United States to translate the continent's creative potential into sustainable economic opportunities.

As part of its first programmes, the institute will roll out Creative Economy 101, a digital learning course initially targeting Kenya before expanding to other African countries.

The course will introduce creators, students, entrepreneurs, professionals, executives and policymakers to the business and economic principles underpinning Africa's creative industries.

The partners described it as Africa's first Pan-African certification programme focused on the continent's creative economy and its emerging opportunities.

Beyond training, the collaboration will support mentorship, applied research, experiential learning and knowledge exchange between Africa and the United States.

The partners said the institute will also serve as a hub for innovation, enterprise development and policy advancement across the continent.

The two organisations said they expect the Creative Economy Africa Institute to help position Africa as a global leader in creativity, innovation and intellectual property, while enabling African creators and creative enterprises to compete more effectively on the global stage.