Nairobi, 16 April 2026 – As part of MultiChoice, a canal company’s broader vision to nurture Africa’s creative economy, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Eastern Africa Academy recently celebrated the graduation of 19 exceptional aspiring filmmakers from Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda. Uganda’s Fredrick Mayiga, a member of Uganda’s 2025 cohort, emerged among the standouts, taking home the Academy Director’s Award for his efforts during the program’s run.
The ceremony marked the culmination of an intensive 9-month journey of world-class training designed to empower Africa’s next generation of cinematic storytellers. The graduates completed a rigorous curriculum spanning the full spectrum of filmmaking: directing, producing, cinematography, scriptwriting, and editing. Beyond the classroom, graduates gained invaluable industry exposure and mentorship from seasoned award-winning professionals, producing high-quality content that reflects authentic African narratives.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Academy Director Victoria Goro commended the cohort for their dedication and highlighted the industry’s future:
“Today’s graduation marks not just an achievement, but a beginning of an exciting journey. Each of you carries the responsibility of shaping Africa’s creative future—through the stories you tell, the businesses you build, and the collaborations you nurture. Your success fuels local economies, inspires communities, and amplifies the voice of African storytelling on the global stage. Move ahead with courage, creativity, and conviction—the world awaits your story.”
This year’s graduation comes at a time when East Africa’s film and television industry is experiencing strong growth, driven by rising demand for local content and the rapid expansion of streaming platforms. In Kenya alone, the creative sector is estimated to contribute between 5% and 5.6% of GDP, underscoring its growing role as a driver of economic growth and job creation.
Vincent Opiyo, MultiChoice Trust Foundation Trustee and Regional Finance Director, MultiChoice Group, reiterated MultiChoice’s commitment to nurturing creative talent in Africa:
“At MultiChoice, we remain committed to fueling this growth by investing in local talent, expanding content distribution opportunities, and building platforms that enable African creators to thrive. As the industry evolves, we see growing demand for authentic African stories, innovative digital formats, and cross-border collaborations.”
The event was also graced by Hon. Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary, Kenya Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, who emphasized the critical role of creative industries in youth empowerment and economic growth:
“The MultiChoice Talent Factory is a shining example of how corporate social initiatives can drive youth development and innovation in the creative economy. These graduates have not only mastered the art of storytelling but also gained skills that will propel them into leadership roles within the industry.”
The Academy maintains a strong partnership with Kenyatta University, which serves as its regional academic partner. This collaboration ensures that students benefit from both academic excellence and industry-relevant training.
“To our esteemed graduands, your achievements underscore the importance of partnerships, such as that between MTF and Kenyatta University, in nurturing talent and fostering growth within the arts. As you step into the world of filmmaking, may the lessons, networks, and inspiration nurtured in the MTF Academy propel you to reach for the stars.” added Professor John Okumu, Vice-Chancellor, Kenyatta University.
Speaking about the Graduation, Hassan Saleh, CEO, MultiChoice Uganda, a Canal+ Company congratulated the 2025 Ugandan cohort for completing the rigorous program.
“We congratulate all MTF 2026 students upon attaining this important milestone. To the Ugandan graduands, the new task ahead for you is to partake in the legacy-building journey MultiChoice Uganda started,” adding that, “The skills you have acquired should be for the advancement of the local content industry in Uganda and Skills transfer to colleagues in the industry for growth and development to be realized through better quality output to our screens.”
Representing the 2025 MTF Ugandan cohort, Fredrick Mayiga, who also won Academy Director’s Award, thanked MultiChoice for the opportunity to upskill and pledged that they will give back by using their newly acquired skills to contribute to the growth of Uganda’s film industry.
“We are grateful to MultiChoice (MTF) for giving us the opportunity to enhance my skills as a filmmaker. This program was rigorous, elaborate and required a great deal of hard work in order for us to achieve our goals. We are excited about what the future holds for us and the entire 2025 MTF class,” Mayiga said.
Since its inception in 2018, the MTF East Africa Academy has remained a cornerstone of creative development across the continent. Many alumni have gone on to establish their own production companies and contribute to leading productions across the continent, including earning recognition at film and television awards.
Recently, 2023 alumnus Maurice Muendo was recognized at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCAs) for his directorial debut Bobo, which premiered at the 2025 Joburg Film Festival. Class of 2024 alumni Brian Kabogozza and Sihnemariam Abebe were also nominated at the upcoming 2026 Kalasha Awards in the Best Student Film category for their Dinner for Three feature.
Congratulations to the following students who have been honoured with Special Recognition Awards for the Class of 2025/2026:
- Academy Director’s Award: Fredrick Mayiga (Uganda) and Lynn Obel (Kenya)
- Cinematography Award: Nahom Bahru (Ethiopia)
- Rising Star Award: Jamleck Lewis (Kenya)
- Overall Best Stufent Excellence Award: Kelvin Dennis (Tanzania)
These awards celebrate not only individual achievement but also the dedication, creativity, and resilience that define this graduating class. The 2025 Ugandan MTF cohort comprised four students: Namulya Giovanni Yona, Asiimire Owobushoborozi, Denzel Everd Maniple, and Mayiga Fredrick.
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