Kenya is set to make history as it officially hosts its first-ever Cannes Young Lions competition, providing young creatives with an opportunity to compete on a global stage at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in France.
This groundbreaking initiative will see six of Kenya’s top young creatives earn the chance to represent the country in the global Young Lions Competition, where they will compete against emerging talent from around the world. Additionally, one student will be selected to attend the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy, further strengthening Kenya’s creative future.
As the Title Sponsor, Safaricom is at the forefront of this initiative, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing Kenyan talent, fostering digital transformation, and supporting the creative economy.
“Creativity and innovation are key drivers of Kenya’s future. Through our partnership with Young Lions Kenya, we are proud to provide a platform for young creatives to showcase their talent on the world’s biggest stage,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa (CBS), CEO of Safaricom.
Tusker, Kenya’s most iconic alcoholic beverage brand, has also come on board as a key partner, furthering its rich legacy of championing Kenyan creativity, culture, and innovation.
“Tusker has always been at the heart of Kenya’s creative and cultural evolution. We are proud to empower young creatives and give them the opportunity to showcase their talent globally,” said Mark Ocitti, Managing Director, Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL).
The launch of Young Lions Kenya marks a transformational moment for the country’s creative industry, paving the way for young creatives to access global opportunities, showcase their skills, and elevate Kenya’s position in the international creative landscape.
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“For years, Kenyan creativity has made waves globally, but this is the first time we have an official pipeline to showcase and nurture our best young talent. This is more than a competition—it’s a launchpad for Kenya’s creative future,” said Alemu Emuron, Chief Creative Officer, The Quollective & Official Festival Representative of Cannes Lions in Kenya.
This initiative is a testament to the growing strength of Kenya’s creative economy and the commitment of industry leaders to nurture young talent, drive innovation, and place Kenya firmly on the global creative map.
“Young Lions Kenya represents the kind of bold, future-focused investment that will shape the next generation of creative leaders. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see what our young creatives will achieve,” said Serah Katusia, CEO, Belva Digital.
As Young Lions Kenya establishes itself as a cornerstone of Kenya’s creative industry, it will inspire the next generation of talent to push boundaries, challenge norms, and redefine the impact of Kenyan creativity on the world stage.