DTI-A, Next Up @ 2026: Bernard Sokpe urges business education for African creatives
By Derrick Ofori
Bernard Sokpe, Co-founder of Jambo Space, has called for deliberate business education and stronger institutional support to protect African creatives as their careers begin to gain momentum. He made the call at the Powered by Drive to Inspire — Africa (DTI-A) NextUp breakfast meeting, held on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, at the Accra International Conference Centre, on the sidelines of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2026.
Speaking during a panel discussion on the creative economy, Sokpe observed that many creatives focus primarily on achieving fame, with little attention paid to the business side of their craft. According to him, a single viral moment can quickly push artists into complex business conversations they are unprepared for.
He noted that this lack of preparation often creates tension when close friends take on managerial roles without adequate business knowledge. Sokpe explained that while trust may exist initially, discussions around contracts and revenue sharing can strain relationships and derail promising careers.
Sokpe also warned that some industry players exploit creatives’ lack of business awareness, taking advantage of artists who are more interested in creating than negotiating. He said experienced artists usually learn these lessons through difficult encounters, forcing them to restructure their teams and become more intentional about how they operate.
On financing, Sokpe highlighted the difficulty creatives face in accessing bank support, explaining that traditional financial institutions struggle to assess irregular and seasonal income patterns common in the creative industry. He urged policymakers to work with banks to design systems that better reflect the realities of creative work.
The session was moderated by lawyer Vanessa Appiagyei and formed part of the NextUp initiative, which emphasizes African youth as the next drivers of global leadership, economic growth, and expanded opportunities on the global stage. Sokpe expressed optimism that with education, policy reform, and stronger structures, Africa’s creative economy can achieve sustainable growth.
