Sierra Leone and Kenya have signed Statements of Intent with The Akuna Group during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda. This move establishes both countries as founding champions of the Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership. The partnership aims to connect talent with investment and enterprise across the Commonwealth. Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh represented Sierra Leone, while Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr A. Korir Sing’Oei signed on behalf of Kenya.
The event was attended by President Dr Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, who received a message of goodwill from Ghana’s Hon. Joycelyn Tetteh MP. Sir Idris Elba, Chairman of The Akuna Group, was also present. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda for his hospitality and the opportunity to open One Commonwealth Night. Sir Idris highlighted the power of creativity in fostering cross-cultural connections and creating opportunities for individuals to monetise their talents.
The Akuna Group praised the Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey for championing youth ambition and acknowledged the support from the Commonwealth Secretariat in shaping the Partnership. The partnership aligns with the goals of the involved countries. Chief Minister Sengeh noted that Sierra Leone’s commitment reflects President Bio’s focus on human capital. He stated that the country’s young people are not a problem to be managed but a resource to invest in.
Dr Sing’Oei mentioned that the partnership would provide Kenyan youth with avenues to market their creative enterprises. Akuna’s initiatives include training emerging filmmakers in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and South Africa through the “Script to Screen with AI” programme. This programme is supported by a $1 million grant from Google.org. The initiative aims to equip young filmmakers with the skills needed to succeed in the creative industry.
In Ghana, Akuna Wallet Ltd has entered the Bank of Ghana’s regulatory sandbox. This move will facilitate innovation in cross-border earnings. Hon Tetteh welcomed these opportunities for Ghana’s creative talents. The Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership is expected to create new opportunities for creative industries across the Commonwealth.
Sir Idris Elba also met with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados to discuss a Barbados-led initiative promoting cultural exchange between African and Caribbean artists. He addressed cross-border earnings with Dr Kevin Greenidge, Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados. Additionally, Sir Idris met with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to explore vocational pathways connecting training and employment in the creative industries.
These agreements signal a commitment to strengthen connections between skills and markets, tailored to the priorities of participating nations. The Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership is a significant step towards promoting creativity and innovation across the Commonwealth. By working together, member countries can unlock the full potential of their creative industries and create new opportunities for growth and development.
Key points
- The partnership aims to connect talent with investment and enterprise across the Commonwealth.
- Akuna’s initiatives include training emerging filmmakers in several countries through the “Script to Screen with AI” programme.
- The agreements will strengthen connections between skills and markets, tailored to the priorities of participating nations.
