Marie Lora-Mungai: Unleashing Africa’s Creative Economy, From Global Stars to Formidable Local Industries.

Change Africa Podcast

In this episode, we speak with Marie Lora-Mungai, the founder of Restless Global, an advisory firm that collaborates with organisations and financiers to bridge the gap between investors and local talents, paving the way for Africa's flourishing homegrown creative and sports sectors.

Marie's journey, rooted in her background as a journalist covering African stories, took an inspiring turn when she experienced the vibrancy of Nairobi. This eye-opening encounter shattered her misconceptions and ignited her fervour to showcase African innovation and creativity. Together with the talented cartoonist Gado, she birthed the groundbreaking "XYZ Show," a fearless political satire program that fearlessly tackled societal frustrations, sparking critical conversations that transcended mere entertainment.

The episode delves into the challenges and strides of the African creative industry. Hindered by limited infrastructure, funding avenues, global exposure, and cultural biases, African talent has often been overlooked on the international stage. However, positive shifts have emerged. Digital platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Apple Music have become catalysts for global reach, offering African content unprecedented visibility. With increased investment, collaborations, and growing cultural appreciation, the stage is set for higher-quality content production and broader exposure for African talent.

Marie sheds light on the complex task of cultivating a talent base for African homegrown industries. Historically, African creators have faced barriers in accessing education and resources, resulting in a shortage of skilled scriptwriters and content producers. While initiatives like Netflix's workshops and training programs aim to address this gap, developing a robust talent pool will take time. Marie emphasises the significance of nurturing local talent and producing quality content to attract investment and foster thriving creative industries.

Additionally, Marie unveils insights from her groundbreaking report on the African film industry, commissioned by UNESCO in 2021. This comprehensive study offers a panoramic view of the audiovisual landscape across all 54 African nations. Marie highlights the burgeoning interest in African content and the potential for a local production boom. She acknowledges the challenges impeding progress and the intricate web of bureaucracy and hurdles aspiring filmmakers face.

Links and Resources:

• Find Marie Lora-Mungai on LinkedIn
• Read her Newsletter, Hustle and Flow and her UNESCO report
• This podcast is produced by Nexa Media

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