Kenya has once again proven that it is a leading destination for global investment, this time in the world of creativity.

The very first US-Kenya Creative Economy Forum wrapped up on Friday, showcasing Kenya as a leading hub for American investors who are eyeing Africa’s booming creative sector.

The two-day event in Nairobi was hosted by the US Embassy in Kenya and the American Chamber of Commerce in Kenya (AmCham Kenya) under the theme "Powering the Future of the Creative Economy."

The forum attracted top government officials, investors, creatives, and business leaders from both Kenya and the United States of America.

The big message? Kenya’s creative economy is open for business and is growing very fast.

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“Kenya's creative industries already contribute at least five percent to the country's GDP,” indicated Marc Dillard, Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Kenya.

He added: “There is every reason to believe that this percentage can grow significantly larger, with the right focus on a creative economy that rewards innovation, talent, brand-building, and dynamic business engagement.”

Kenya plans to double the creative sector’s contribution to GDP to 10 per cent by the end of 2025 by expanding film, music, fashion, gaming, sports, as well as digital content creation.

Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the government is keen on supporting the key industry through local and global partnerships.

The CS encouraged American investors to explore the untapped potential across Kenya’s creative industries.

“Kenya is positioning itself as a continental and global hub for creative excellence,” he said.

Hotspots for Investment

The forum identified three high-potential areas for US investors:

• Film: Kenya is being dubbed the "Hollywood of Africa", offering diverse talent, rich locations, and cost-effective production opportunities.

• Music: With a growing fanbase and digital access, Kenya is a goldmine for US record labels and streaming platforms.

• Sports: Kenya’s deep love for athletics is opening doors for US sports franchises and development programs to set up shop.

These industries are growing 60 per cent faster than traditional sectors, fuelled by Kenya’s young, tech-savvy population with greater hopes for a more supportive policy environment.

To maintain the momentum, AmCham Kenya CEO Maxwell Okello announced a special task force to strengthen long-term partnerships between the US and Kenyan creative players.

“With the support of the US Embassy, the Kenyan Government, and AmCham Kenya, we are building the foundation for a creative economy that is mainstream, investable, and scalable; an economy where potential is transformed into prosperity, and talent evolves into thriving industry,” said Okello.

Adding weight to the event were American industry heavyweights like Nicholas Weinstock (Invention Studios), Michael Finley (NBA Africa Kenya), Robert Boyd (Tyler Perry Studios), and Panos A Panay (The Recording Academy).

Their presence staged US focus on Kenya’s creative economy as a gateway to the East African market of more than 300 million people, a huge opportunity for new expansion for global firms.

With strong US-Kenya relations, investor-friendly policies, and a bold creative vision, Kenya is positioning itself through building a thriving creative powerhouse for Africa and the world.