The African Knowledge Exchange (AKE) project is pioneering an integrated model for digitally- driven skills development and start-up creation in the creative media industries. The early phase of this initiative focused on ICT –based skills on digital technologies to a standard that is commercially relevant using modern digital tools and software for product creation in the creative media areas .The training has an emphasis on guidance and direction together with technical, advisory, mentoring and consultative supports at every phase of the project rather than a re-establishment of the traditional teacher/student environment. The next phase of the project included practical entrepreneurial advice, guidance and mentoring from existing industries and experts and finally, followed by the establishment of start-ups which have marketable products or services to offer in the marketplace. The start-ups participants have been through an intense training  process i.e Technology-embedded skills - Start-ups established  -  Entrepreneurial practice/job creation- Mentorship and business advice. The project is now in its final phase whereby the training studios have become “centres of practice” rather than just classrooms and have reached out to the industrial and commercial community to incorporate their advice and mentorship.    Currently, 7 mini companies or start - ups have been established and registered.

1. KIWO films is a Kenyan film production start-up company registered in Kenya and have a profile in covering events through filming and photography services.
2. Verb House is a start-up generates its revenue from Mbulu. Mbulu is a subscription based online streaming channel for video on demand (VOD). Mbulu features African short films, documentaries, music, animation, and games that are suitable for streaming on small devices like mobile phones or tablets. It has created a market and audience for African stories that transcends borders
3. Artari Kreations ,a digital savvy start-up, has developed a mix of prototypes targeting Education sector and advertising companies. The Start-Up has elaborate efforts to diversify its sources of revenue with the following products in its profile: SAUTI; Teacher Poa; and Black Box.
4. Tripple Touch Start-up offers premium entertainment services through Tripple Touch App. It is an innovative Kenyan youth-led business. This Ssart-up offers virtual Disc Jockeying (DJ) services, Public Address system, and Audio-visual production and events management services
5. Makossirri Enterprise is a Sole Entrepreneur business. Makossirri is the brand of Makossirri. She is an emerging African singer and a creative entrepreneurs. Makossirri Enterprises brings Makossirri music, fashion and stories to mix of channels. The start-up combines creative technology and artistic self-expression to the organizing of in-house events and live performances where fashion and music intertwine. Makossirri works with digital artists, musicians, fashion designers to bring African stories with a global touch.
6. Ioniccode Software Enterprise designs and develops technologies that provide solutions for real problems in real world with a playful attitude. The team has expertise in mobile Application, web and game development as well as graphic design. The start-up specializes in solution for the African educational sector and also provides services for other creatives.
7. Boisch Enterprises   is a girls’ only start-up based selling African cultural artifacts ranging from E-Cards, African Jewellery, African graffiti and painting. The start-up also diversifies its revenue sources by investing in creation of advertisements and marketing strategies using Games and Mobile Applications, animations, 3D designs and sound design products.

AKE will hold a policy forum on the 29^th of March 2017. This will showcase the resultant hybrid model of training/upskilling and enterprise development model.