The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a partnership with Sir Idris Elba aimed at strengthening Kenya’s creative economy through investment, technology and access to international markets.

The Statement of Intent was signed on the sidelines of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda by Dr A. Korir Sing’oei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, representing Kenya, and Elba, chairman of the Akuna Group.

The agreement falls under the Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership, which includes Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Barbados, and seeks to promote the creative sector as a driver of growth and enterprise development.

Key focus areas outlined by the Ministry include creator financing, youth skills development, responsible artificial intelligence, digital innovation and expanding access to international markets.

The partnership is expected to complement the government’s Talanta Hela Programme by providing young creatives with financing, skill‑building opportunities and pathways to commercialise their work.

During the signing, Sing’oei, on behalf of President William Ruto, invited Elba to visit Kenya at the forthcoming Internet Governance Forum, where the initiative is slated to be formally unveiled.

The Ministry said the collaboration will link Kenyan creative talent with technology, investment and global platforms, positioning the sector to contribute to national development and youth employment.