KESSA, the Young Panafrican Storytellers Program, has announced its first cohort of 30 laureates after receiving almost 1,900 applications from meticulously selected storytellers across the African continent and its diasporas. This initiative, initiated by the UM6P Story School in conjunction with the French-African Foundation, showcases the commitment and innovation of a new generation who are keen to reshape the narratives that define Africa. The selection process was rigorous, undertaken by an international jury comprising esteemed personalities from the media and cultural sectors, further enhancing the program’s credibility.

The selected laureates reflect a broad spectrum of the African creative scene, engaging in diverse fields such as cultural institutions, entrepreneurship, technology, film, journalism, museology, and design. This diversity not only highlights the richness of African storytelling but also indicates the growing interconnectedness of various cultural narratives across the continent. The participation from nearly 1,900 applicants underscores the eagerness among young creators to tell their stories and the potential for new voices in the media landscape.

The announcement of KESSA's first laureates marks a significant milestone for cultural initiatives in Africa, emphasizing the importance of investing in young talent to ensure that African stories are told through the lens of its own people. This program not only seeks to empower individual storytellers but also to advance the narrative of Africa on the global stage, creating a vibrant platform for storytelling that resonates well beyond borders and challenges existing stereotypes about the continent.