As part of its broader vision to grow Africa’s creative economy, the MultiChoice Talent Factory Eastern Africa Academy today celebrated the graduation of 19 aspiring filmmakers from Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda.
The ceremony marked the end of an intensive nine-month training program aimed at preparing Africa’s next generation of storytellers for careers in film and television. The graduates completed a rigorous curriculum covering directing, producing, cinematography, scriptwriting and editing. In addition to classroom instruction, they received mentorship and industry exposure from award-winning professionals and produced content rooted in authentic African stories.
Speaking at the ceremony, Academy Director Victoria Goro praised the graduates for their commitment and pointed to their role in shaping the future of the industry.
“Today’s graduation marks not just an achievement, but the beginning of an exciting journey,” Goro said. “Each of you carries the responsibility of shaping Africa’s creative future through the stories you tell, the businesses you build and the collaborations you nurture. Your success fuels local economies, inspires communities and amplifies the voice of African storytelling on the global stage. Move ahead with courage, creativity and conviction — the world awaits your story.”
This year’s graduation comes as East Africa’s film and television industry continues to grow, fueled by rising demand for local content and the rapid expansion of streaming platforms. In Kenya, the creative sector is estimated to contribute between 5% and 5.6% of gross domestic product, highlighting its increasing importance as a source of economic growth and employment.
Vincent Opiyo, trustee of the MultiChoice Trust Foundation and regional finance director at MultiChoice Group, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Africa’s creative talent.
“At MultiChoice, we remain committed to fueling this growth by investing in local talent, expanding content distribution opportunities and building platforms that enable African creators to thrive,” Opiyo said. “As the industry evolves, we see growing demand for authentic African stories, innovative digital formats and cross-border collaborations.”
Also present at the event was Hon. Fikirini Jacobs, principal secretary in the State Department of Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, who emphasized the importance of the creative industries in empowering young people and driving economic growth.
“The MultiChoice Talent Factory is a shining example of a program that aligns strongly with our national priorities by nurturing and developing local talent,” Jacobs said. “Platforms such as the MultiChoice Talent Factory play a critical role in driving this shift by demonstrating that creative excellence can translate into real opportunity.”
The academy continues to work closely with Kenyatta University, its regional academic partner, to ensure students receive both academic grounding and industry-relevant training.
“To our esteemed graduands, your achievements underscore the importance of partnerships such as that between MTF and Kenyatta University in nurturing talent and fostering growth within the arts,” said Prof. John Okumu, vice chancellor of Kenyatta University. “As you step into the world of filmmaking, may the lessons, networks and inspiration nurtured in the MTF Academy propel you to reach for the stars.”
Since its launch in 2018, the MTF East Africa Academy has remained a key platform for creative development across the continent. Many of its alumni have gone on to start production companies, work on major productions and earn recognition at film and television awards.
Most recently, 2023 alumnus Maurice Muendo was recognized at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for his directorial debut, Bobo, which premiered at the 2025 Joburg Film Festival. Class of 2024 alumni Brian Kabogozza and Sihnemariam Abebe were also nominated for the 2026 Kalasha Awards in the best student film category for Dinner for Three.
The academy also honored members of the Class of 2025/2026 with special recognition awards:
- Academy Director’s Award: Fredrick Mayiga (Uganda) and Lynn Obel (Kenya)
- Technical Excellence Award: Nahom Bahru (Ethiopia)
- Rising Star Award in Production Management: Jamleck Lewis (Kenya)
- Overall Best Student Award: Kelvin Dennis (Tanzania)
The awards recognized the dedication, creativity and resilience that defined this year’s graduating class.