NCBA Group has reinforced its commitment to Kenya’s growing creative economy with the launch of the ELEV8 2025 Series Documentary, highlighting how targeted financing, mentorship, and industry partnerships are helping creatives build sustainable careers.
Driving Growth in the Creative Economy
As Kenya’s creative sector emerges as a key driver of youth employment and innovation, NCBA is positioning itself as a strategic enabler. Through its partnership with HEVA Fund, the bank has introduced tailored financial solutions designed to address the unique challenges faced by creatives, particularly irregular income streams and informal business structures.
The creative economy currently contributes over 5.3% to Kenya’s GDP and supports more than 300,000 entrepreneurs. However, limited access to financing remains a major barrier to growth.
Tailored Financial Solutions for Creatives
NCBA’s financing products are structured to meet the needs of artists and creative businesses across different stages of growth.
These include:
•Event Financing – A revolving credit facility for live and digital events
•Invoice Discounting – Access to funds against confirmed contracts
•LPO Financing – Support for executing production agreements
•Working Capital Financing – Sustaining and expanding operations
•Start-Up Incubator Financing – Supporting emerging creative entrepreneurs
These solutions enable creatives to move beyond project-based survival toward structured income generation and long-term financial stability.
Ubuntu Philosophy at the Core
NCBA’s approach is grounded in its Ubuntu philosophy, the belief that individual success is tied to community prosperity. The bank views creatives not just as artists, but as entrepreneurs and economic contributors capable of driving inclusive growth.
Speaking during the screening, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said the initiative reflects the bank’s broader vision of economic transformation through youth empowerment.
“Supporting the creative economy means investing in young people, innovation, and culture as engines of economic transformation,” he noted.
ELEV8 Program Impact and Expansion
The ELEV8 programme, led by founder and CEO Motif Di Don, has provided participating creatives with studio access, mentorship, financial literacy training, and exposure within the media and entertainment industry.
The newly released documentary captures the journeys of artists who have benefited from the program, showcasing how access to financial tools and industry networks can transform talent into sustainable enterprise.
“ELEV8 is about building sustainable careers,” said Motif Di Don. “The next season ensures creatives have not just talent and exposure, but the financial tools needed to thrive.”
ELEV8 2026
The upcoming ELEV8 2026 program aims to deepen industry collaboration, expand mentorship opportunities, and enhance access to financial empowerment solutions for emerging creatives.
The initiative aligns with NCBA’s broader sustainability agenda under its “Change the Story” commitment, focused on unlocking economic participation for youth and underserved sectors.
Positioning Creativity as Economic Power
By combining storytelling, mentorship, and innovative financing, NCBA is positioning Kenya’s creative industry as a scalable pillar of economic growth. The ELEV8 initiative underscores the growing recognition of creatives as not only cultural contributors but also key players in the country’s economic future.
