PS Sing’Oei holds virtual meeting with Idris Elba to advance Africa’s creative economy
By Katemarthason Okudo, September 8, 2026Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has held a virtual meeting with British actor, filmmaker and entrepreneur Idris Elba to discuss opportunities for young African creatives.
In a post shared on X on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Sing’Oei said the discussion focused on strengthening Africa’s creative economy and giving young people better access to opportunities in the global market.
Sing’Oei also conveyed President William Ruto’s greetings to Elba and thanked him for his work across the continent.
“I held a virtual meeting with Sir Idris Elba, globally acclaimed actor, filmmaker, producer, creative entrepreneur and Founder of Akuna Group. I also conveyed the warm greetings and appreciation of H.E. President William Ruto for Sir Idris’ work across the continent,” Sing’Oei wrote.
Focus on young African creatives
According to the PS, Elba spoke about the need to give talented young people more than encouragement if they are to build sustainable careers from their creativity. The actor highlighted practical areas such as payment systems, professional networks, access to international markets, creative education and emerging technologies.
The discussion comes as Elba continues to push for greater opportunities for African creatives through his business and other initiatives.
His Akuna Group describes itself as a global creative, entertainment and media company focused on developing and distributing original stories while creating opportunities for creatives.
Elba has also been involved in efforts to improve access to international payment systems for creators. His work through Akuna includes initiatives aimed at helping African creatives earn from their work and reach audiences beyond the continent.
Commonwealth creative economy partnership
Sing’Oei said the two also discussed the forthcoming Commonwealth Summit in Antigua and Barbuda and the planned launch of the Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership.
The partnership is expected to place young people, businesses, technology and cultural expression at the centre of discussions around shared economic opportunities.
Sing’Oei said Kenya was ready to play a role in advancing the vision across Africa, particularly by ensuring that young creatives have a place in the global creative economy.
“Our young creatives must not remain at the margins of the global creative economy. They must be its storytellers, innovators, entrepreneurs and owners, equipped to earn from their talent, tell Africa’s stories with confidence and model the future on their own terms,” he said.
Who is Idris Elba?
Elba is best known for his acting career, including his role as John Luther in the British crime drama Luther and his appearances in films such as Beasts of No Nation, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and Marvel’s Thor franchise.
Beyond acting, he has worked as a filmmaker, producer, musician and entrepreneur. He has increasingly focused on Africa’s creative industries, including plans to strengthen film production, distribution and opportunities for local talent.
In July 2026, Google and Akuna Group also announced a programme aimed at training about 100,000 African content creators in artificial intelligence tools, including Google’s Gemini. Kenya is among the countries targeted by the initiative.
The virtual meeting with Sing’Oei therefore adds to Elba’s growing engagement with Africa’s creative sector, with the focus now extending to how governments and industry players can help young talent turn creativity into sustainable careers.