Art has always been and will be central to African culture. The creative arts industry in Africa employs 5 million people. With the existing high youth unemployment rates, with East African unemployment standing at approximately 4.7%, creative arts are an opportunity for young people to leverage decent jobs.
When it comes to working in the youths’ development sector, one may say it’s a full-time job, as the opportunities and challenges are vast. The creative and cultural industries (CCIs) in Africa are a significant economic force, contributing an estimated $58 billion to the continent’s GDP.
Projections indicate a massive potential for growth, with some reports suggesting the sector could generate over $200 billion annually and create more than 20 million jobs in the coming years source.
On the 29th and 30th of May, the University of Dodoma (UDOM) became a hub of innovation, inspiration, and entrepreneurship as it hosted the Vijana Entrepreneurial Workshop, a dynamic two-day event designed to empower youth in the creative industries.
The workshop was organized by Mkeka Na Kanga Foundation in collaboration with the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation and the Ruge Mutahaba Foundation, bringing together a powerful blend of experience, insight, and mentorship.
The atmosphere at the university was energetic, as on the 29th of May, the students came pouring into the College of Informatics and Virtual Education (CIVE) Network Lab in the College of Informatics at 8 am sharp.
The event attracted 157 students from University of Dodoma with creative talents eager to learn how to transform their passions and creativity into sustainable businesses. Students formed 8 groups, then worked on joint projects that practiced pitching.
The workshop focused on five core themes: Understanding the Business of Arts and Tourism, Jobs Creation in the Art Industry, Building a Creative Brand, Business Funding, and Copyright and Registration of Businesses.
The first session was facilitated by Dr. Deograsia Ndunguru from University of Dodoma who noted,
“The goal is financial freedom. When we get out of this university, we won’t trade the streets with brown envelopes asking for jobs because we will have jobs in our hands – our creativity.”
Legal experts from COSOTA also shed light on the importance of intellectual property rights, guiding students on how to protect their work through copyright and proper business registration.
The workshop was more than just presentations – it was an interactive platform for young people to connect with mentors and show off their talents. From a fashion show, singing session and poetry to breakdancing, the students showcased African creativity at its best. The engagement was high throughout, with Q&A sessions, group discussions, and networking opportunities.
“I came here with a goal to get knowledge in marketing my product,” said Kelvin R. Ngimba, a third-year student in Fine Arts and Design. “I own a Gallery Art Studio, for so long I struggled with identifying my customers, but this workshop taught me to go back to my principles and structures of my business to re-define my purpose in the industry.”
By the end of the two days, students walked away not only with knowledge but with renewed motivation and a clear path forward. Vijana Entrepreneurial Workshop underscored a powerful message: Youth and entrepreneurship, a journey of self-confidence.
We understand that it will take more than just 2 days to help these youth create sustainable businesses and as a result, the traning continues virtually for three months, focusing on photography, painting, videography, poetry and instruments. Stay tuned as we will report back on progress in September 2025!
