Akoma launches paid fellowship for Africa's content creators

Africa's low internet penetration rate of about 30% has posed challenges for online networks on the continent. Despite this, the prospects for digital content in Africa are on the rise. Akoma, a content platform and storytelling company founded by renowned journalist Zain Verjee and Chidi Afulezi, is leading the charge in revolutionizing African storytelling. The company recently launched a fellowship program aimed at developing and nurturing African content creators to produce insightful content and distribute their work globally. This initiative aims to empower Africans to share their own authentic stories and drive the narrative around the continent. Akoma provides an open-source platform where individuals can sign up with a Twitter, Facebook, or email account to share written, photo, or video stories. The goal is to give a voice to the people of Africa and provide both content and context to their narratives. Targeting individuals between the ages of 18 and 54 who are passionate about expressing themselves online, Akoma aims to amplify diverse African voices and shift the prevailing storytelling paradigm. The Amplify fellowship, launched in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, seeks to identify and nurture talented Africans who wish to enhance their content creation skills and showcase their work globally. By providing a platform for African talent to shine, Akoma is striving to bring the continent to life beyond the typical narratives of war, disease, and poverty. The company is focused on empowering every individual in Africa with the tools and resources to craft compelling stories through video, photography, and writing. By doing so, Akoma hopes to change the narrative and demonstrate the richness and diversity of African stories. The inaugural session of the Amplify fellowship is currently underway in Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda. These countries were selected based on their vibrant creative markets and strong mobile and advertising sectors. Rwanda, in particular, was chosen due to its remarkable growth, leadership, and talent pool that is eager to share the Rwandan story with the world. The proactive attitude of Rwandan leadership towards storytelling highlights the country's commitment to shaping its narrative and fostering a culture of creativity. As Africa undergoes rapid transformation, the need for innovative storytelling is more pressing than ever, especially in developing countries. Akoma's long-term vision is to establish itself as the central hub of a thriving ecosystem for content creators, brands, and audiences. The company envisions a collaborative environment where stakeholders engage with African content, share stories, and interact with one another. Akoma's platform is designed to accommodate a wide range of voices and perspectives from all 54 countries in Africa. By providing localized content hubs in countries like Rwanda, Kenya, and Ethiopia, Akoma aims to showcase the diversity and talent present across the continent. This initiative not only enables creators to share their stories but also allows audiences to engage with and comment on the content, fostering a sense of community and connection. The ultimate goal is for Akoma to become the premier destination for authentic African storytelling, showcasing the unique narratives and perspectives of the continent to a global audience.