Strathmore and Burns Brothers Launch Online Hub to Unlock One Million Creative Jobs

The Burns Brothers and Strathmore University Business School (SUBS) launched Creative Economy 101, an online training platform aimed at creating one million jobs across Africa by 2035. The self-paced certification course costs Ksh.8,500 and is accessible globally through a dedicated portal.

Delivered through the newly formed Creative Economy Africa Institute (CEAI), the course contains seven distinct modules. Learners explore entrepreneurship, intellectual property rights, financial management, business expansion, and wider market dynamics.

Organisers developed the initiative to tackle persistent commercial gaps, as creative talent frequently lacks practical business tools. Mike Burns, President of advisory firm The Burns Brothers, stated that human potential and culture represent Africa's greatest future exports.

Data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) indicates African creative industries can generate US$20 billion annually. Achieving that benchmark requires formal learning, structured networks, and expanded capital access.

Executive Dean at Strathmore University Business School (SUBS), Dr. Caesar Mwangi, urged universities to combine academic theory with market experience. He framed the creative sector as a major unexploited economic frontier for youth.

Kenya's Ambassador to Belgium, Prof. Bitange Ndemo, endorsed the strategic framework during its official unveiling. He emphasized that strong policy frameworks and training platforms will transform regional innovators into global leaders.

Dr. Moore, Head of Strategy Africa at The Burns Brothers, explained that industry-focused education prepares creators for future market shifts. Supporting institutions emphasized that linking skills with capital accelerates long-term enterprise growth.

Financial partner NCBA Group (NCBA) announced direct funding for creators participating in the inaugural cohort. Director of Marketing Nelly Wainaina noted that supporting creative entrepreneurs yields substantial economic returns across regional markets.

Under its Elev8 program, the bank is sponsoring ten Kenyan entrepreneurs through the certified business curriculum. Enrollees gain exposure to market expansion strategies, contract structures, and intellectual property defense mechanisms.

The certified program forms the foundational phase of a broader Pan-African development model. Coursework equips filmmakers, musicians, fashion designers, and digital content creators with key commercial skills.

Through the Creative Economy Africa Institute (CEAI), partners plan extensive research, policy engagement, and innovation programs. These multi-year initiatives seek to build sustainable commercial structures that turn raw creativity into enduring economic value.

Organisers emphasize that closing skill gaps will allow local talent to retain value within African markets. Broad collaboration across higher education, finance, and government remains essential to scaling these economic solutions.

By structuring creative training into formal modules, enrollees receive practical tools to manage working capital and scale enterprises. Early uptake demonstrates growing demand for business education among young African creators.

The program will expand across additional African nations following its initial launch in Kenya. Establishing robust institutional backing ensures creative professionals gain direct access to international markets and investors.

Long-term goals focus on developing structured supply chains across music, gaming, design, and broadcast media. Sustainable growth in these sectors provides a critical pathway toward broad employment creation across the continent.