By 
NCBA Backs 10 Kenyan Creators in Creative Economy 101 Programme
The initiative will equip emerging creatives with the business skills needed to build sustainable enterprises and unlock opportunities in Africa’s growing creative economy.
Africa’s creative economy is growing quickly. Every day, more young people are turning their talent into profitable businesses. However, many creatives still lack the business skills needed to scale their ideas.
Recognizing this opportunity, NCBA, through its Elev8 programme, is sponsoring ten Kenyan creators to join the inaugural Creative Economy 101 cohort. The Burns Brothers developed the programme in partnership with Strathmore University Business School to help creators build sustainable businesses.
Building Businesses Beyond Talent
The self-paced programme is available through creativeeconomy101.com. It features seven modules on entrepreneurship, intellectual property, finance, business growth and the creative economy. In addition, participants receive certification from Strathmore University Business School after completing the course.
NCBA says the sponsorship reflects its commitment to expanding access to entrepreneurial education. It also aims to support the next generation of creative business leaders.
“At NCBA, we believe creators are entrepreneurs, innovators and business builders whose ideas have the power to create jobs and drive economic growth,” said Nelly Wainaina, Group Director, Marketing, Communications and Citizenship at NCBA Group.
She added that the Elev8 programme will give the selected creators access to practical skills, industry knowledge and valuable networks. Ultimately, she said, investing in creators is also an investment in Africa’s long-term economic growth.
Unlocking Africa’s Creative Potential
The programme responds to a major challenge facing Africa’s creative industries. Although creative talent is abundant, many creators struggle to access business knowledge, professional networks and practical tools.
As a result, many find it difficult to transform their creativity into sustainable businesses.
According to Mike Burns, President and Founding Partner of The Burns Brothers, Creative Economy 101 is the first initiative under the Creative Economy Africa Institute.
“Africa’s greatest export over the coming decades will be its creativity, culture, innovation, intellectual property and human potential,” he said.
He added that the programme will help creators build stronger businesses while unlocking the full value of Africa’s creative economy.
NCBA Backs 10 Kenyan Creators in Creative Economy 101 Programme
Preparing Creators for Long-Term Success
The programme combines academic learning with practical industry experience. It also brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders, creators and industry experts. Consequently, participants gain practical knowledge they can apply immediately to their businesses.
Dr. Caesar Mwangi, Executive Dean of Strathmore University Business School, said Africa’s creative economy remains one of the continent’s biggest untapped opportunities.
He noted that Creative Economy 101 combines academic excellence with industry expertise. Furthermore, the initiative aims to develop future leaders, strengthen the creative ecosystem and build a more competitive and inclusive economy across Africa.
Investing in the Future of Work
As the creative economy expands, the demand for business-ready creators will continue to grow. Therefore, preparing young people for emerging industries has become increasingly important.
Beyond higher education, schools, businesses and institutions all have a role to play. Together, they can equip young people with the skills, entrepreneurial mindset and confidence needed to succeed.
By supporting Creative Economy 101, NCBA is helping creators move beyond talent. In the long run, the initiative will empower more young entrepreneurs to build scalable businesses, create jobs and contribute to Africa’s economic transformation.
Comments