Kenya is on the verge of hosting the Africa Academy headquarters or a regional centre following an agreement between the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports and Grammy Global Ventures (GGV).
According to Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen, the collaboration, formalised on 25th September 2023, seeks to establish a hub for Grammy-branded events, with Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Africa also signing similar agreements as founding members.
Boosting Kenya’s creative economy
The Africa Academy headquarters is expected to enhance the country’s creative economy by leveraging Grammy Global Ventures’ technological resources, networks, and expertise.
This initiative aims to empower Kenyan music creators, enabling them to produce original content that showcases the nation’s rich cultural heritage to a global audience.
In addition to global exposure for Kenyan artistes, the academy promises significant economic benefits, including job creation, increased business opportunities, and the development of music production infrastructure.
By hosting the Africa Academy or Centre in Kenya, our music creators stand to benefit from the Recording Academy's technological resources, brand, networks, and expertise.
Financial commitment fulfilled
The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports has met its financial obligations, completing the final instalment of the USD 2,500,000 founding fee this month.
This fee, which is essential for setting up the academy, was paid in four instalments.
We saved a lot of money in subsequent instalments after the Kenya Shilling gained in strength this year.
The agreement stipulates that at least two founding members must contribute an equal fee to operationalise the Africa Academy.
Should additional founding members contribute, GGV plans to use the surplus funds to organise Grammy-branded events in those countries.
Konza technopolis as a potential venue
Kenya has proposed the 160-acre Digital Media City at Konza Technopolis as the potential location for the academy.
This state-of-the-art facility is under development with funding agreements already signed with the Republic of Korea.
The project can be hosted in our 160-acre Digital Media City at the Konza Technopolis, where construction of the anchor building is at the design stage.
Kenya now awaits confirmation of its readiness to host the Africa Academy, a move that could cement its position as a regional entertainment hub and elevate its artistic scene globally.