NAIROBI, Kenya, March 11, 2025 – Kenya’s creative and cultural industries have received a significant boost with the launch of a $5 million investment by HEVA Fund to provide tailored financial solutions to creatives. With over 11 years of experience in driving Africa’s creative industries forward, HEVA has pioneered innovative financial products and initiatives for creative entrepreneurs and businesses. This latest investment builds on HEVA’s mission to support sustainable growth, innovation, and financial inclusion in the sector.
Dubbed ‘Ota Kopa’ and ‘Ota Kopa Plus,’ the financial products are offered in partnership with four financial service providers (FSPs) and two aggregator platforms. They aim to finance over 7,000 young women and men in the creative sector, supporting businesses across three main creative value chains:
- Fashion, Garments, and Accessories
- Film, Television, Content Creation, Gaming, and Audio-Visual
- Live Music, Theatre, and Performing Arts
Creatives such as photographers, filmmakers, musicians, game developers, fashion designers, and more will benefit from these products, with a comprehensive list of 300+ creative types available on HEVA’s website.
Announcing the partnership, HEVA’s Managing Partner, Ms. Wakiuru Njuguna, said: > “We are delighted to enter into these partnerships with Longitude Capital, Tenakata Ltd, Kenya Bankers Sacco, Lipa Later Ltd, Shop Zetu, and Wowzi to disburse a total of $5 million (approximately KSh 644 million) to individuals and enterprises in the cultural and creative industries. These partnerships will expand the pool of capital available to the sector and ensure access to affordable, responsive financial products and business advisory services.”
The new products, Ota Kopa (up to KSh 999,999) and Ota Kopa Plus (from KSh 1 million to KSh 4,999,999), seek to strengthen the creative sector while addressing three key objectives:
- Strengthening Kenya’s creative and cultural industries.
- Generating dignified and fulfilling employment opportunities.
- Bridging the financial gap for creative businesses.
The initiative adopts a deliberate strategy to ensure inclusivity, targeting 70% of the 7,000 beneficiaries to be young women, 10% to be refugees, and 5% to be people with disabilities.
> “With Ota Kopa and Ota Kopa Plus, our mission is to ensure that no young creatives—women, men, groups, or businesses operating within the three value chains—are left behind in accessing funding,” added Ms. Njuguna.
Despite the sector’s immense potential as an economic driver, it has historically faced challenges, particularly financing limitations that hinder access to tools, technology, and resources. HEVA Fund aims to change this narrative through homegrown financial solutions that empower creatives and foster sustainable growth, both in Kenya and across Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the FSPs, Michael Monari of Longitude Capital emphasized their commitment to supporting creatives: > “We recognize the financial needs of the creative and cultural industries (CCI) and are ready to meet the challenges, including reaching those in remote areas. Our goal is to restore the dignity of the sector, challenge existing myths, and demonstrate that the creative industries can offer profitable and fulfilling livelihoods for hundreds of thousands.”
HEVA’s efforts have already raised USD 42 million through partnerships, directly invested in over 120 creative enterprises and projects across Eastern Africa, and enhanced the skills of over 14,000 practitioners. The organization continues to produce ground-breaking insights and knowledge products, widely referenced by academics, researchers, and public sector organizations.
Backgrounder/FAQs
How were FSPs and platforms selected for this initiative? HEVA conducted a rigorous 3-month process evaluating financial and operational metrics, market research, and compliance. Selected FSPs and platforms share HEVA’s vision of ethical lending practices and financial inclusion for creatives.
Who is eligible to apply? Eligibility extends to individuals, groups, and creative businesses in the specified value chains:
- Fashion, Garments, and Accessories
- Film, Television, Content Creation, Gaming, and Audio-Visual
- Live Music, Theatre, and Performing Arts
Applicants will submit documents such as IDs, financial records, or business registration certificates, depending on their circumstances, to simplify access to funding.
What financial products are offered?
- Ota Kopa: Loans up to KSh 999,999
- Ota Kopa Plus: Loans between KSh 1 million and KSh 4,999,999
Will recipients get additional support? Yes, all borrowers will receive post-investment support throughout the loan period.
Is there a plan for future expansion? Ota Kopa and Ota Kopa Plus currently focus on Kenya, with plans to grow through additional platforms to reach more creatives. HEVA also maintains broader Pan-African programs to support the sector.
About HEVA HEVA is Africa’s first innovative investment and advisory group dedicated to creative industries. Since 2013, HEVA has spearheaded programs in 14 African and Indian Ocean countries, offering insights, investments, and financial solutions for the sector’s growth
