The Burns Brothers, in collaboration with Strathmore University Business School, have introduced Creative Economy 101, an online programme designed to empower African creatives with essential business knowledge.

This self-paced course, offered through the newly formed Creative Economy Africa Institute, features seven modules covering entrepreneurship, intellectual property, finance, business growth, and the broader creative ecosystem. Participants pay Ksh 8,500 for a certification from Strathmore University Business School, accessible via creativeeconomy101.com.

Addressing Gaps in Africa's Creative Industries

The initiative aims to tackle a critical challenge in Africa's creative sectors, where abundant talent often lacks the necessary business acumen, networks, and practical tools to build sustainable careers and enterprises.

Mike Burns, President and Founding Partner of The Burns Brothers, described the programme as a foundational step toward unlocking the continent's creative economic potential. He emphasized that Africa's creativity, culture, innovation, and intellectual property will be key exports in the coming decades.

Growing Creative Economy with Institutional Support

  • Dr. Caesar Mwangi, Executive Dean at Strathmore University Business School, highlighted the partnership as a blend of academic excellence and industry expertise to nurture leadership and strengthen Africa's creative ecosystem.
  • Prof. Bitange Ndemo, Kenya's Ambassador to Belgium and former ICT Permanent Secretary, endorsed the initiative, noting its potential to drive economic growth, innovation, and employment through supportive policies and investments.
  • Dr. London Moore, Nova Pioneer East Africa Managing Director, stressed the importance of linking education with industry to prepare learners for future opportunities.
  • NCBA Bank committed to sponsoring ten creators through its Elev8 programme to join the first Creative Economy 101 cohort, with Nelly Wainaina, NCBA Group Director of Marketing, Communications and Citizenship, affirming the investment as vital for entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Long-Term Vision

The Creative Economy Africa Institute aims to bolster Africa's creative industries via education, research, entrepreneurship, innovation, and policy engagement, with the goal of generating one million jobs across the continent by 2035.