KESSA: Empowering the Next Generation of African Storytellers

A groundbreaking initiative is set to redefine the narrative landscape of Africa. The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University’s Story School, in collaboration with the French-African Foundation, has launched KESSA, a pan-African program dedicated to training and connecting emerging African storytellers. As storytelling continues to play a transformative role in reshaping perceptions and driving socioeconomic growth, KESSA aims to amplify diverse voices from across the continent.

What is KESSA and Why It Matters

At its core, KESSA is a narrative residency program designed to identify and nurture 30 emerging talents from Africa. Participants will include creators spanning diverse fields such as journalism, digital storytelling, music, visual arts, and cultural entrepreneurship. With storytelling industries booming across Africa, KESSA seeks to provide the tools and resources necessary to reshape Africa’s representation on the global stage. The program not only enhances self-expression but also helps solidify Africa’s creative industries as critical players in the global economy.

The name ‘KESSA,’ meaning ‘story’ in Arabic and several African dialects, symbolizes connections between heritage, voice, and imagination. This initiative is an acknowledgment that African narratives are integral to redefining the continent’s identity, challenging stereotypes, and elevating it as a place of innovation and creativity.

A Comprehensive Residency Program

The inaugural edition of KESSA, hosted at the UM6P Story School campus in Rabat, Morocco, will run from March 23 to March 28, 2026. Selected participants will experience immersive workshops and masterclasses taught by African and international experts. These sessions will delve into modern storytelling techniques, such as digital narratives, sound design, and performance, fostering innovation and collaboration. Additionally, participants will receive tailored mentorship to develop original works of storytelling, building a foundation for impactful careers.

Moreover, KESSA goes beyond training—participants will join a thriving pan-African network designed for ongoing collaboration. Their stories will be promoted through a comprehensive communication campaign, enhancing visibility across diverse media platforms. This emphasis on a connected community ensures the longevity of KESSA’s impact as participants integrate their unique narratives into global conversations.

Strengthening Africa’s Creative Economy

KESSA’s emphasis on collaboration and innovation highlights the crucial role of Africa’s creative industries in driving economic growth and cultural preservation. By recognizing professionals with at least five years of relevant experience, the program fosters sustainable talent development across sectors like cinema, research, urban culture, and social innovation. Participants will not only reimagine Africa’s global narrative but also contribute to the continent’s evolving cultural identity and economic advancement.

The initiative reinforces the idea that storytelling is not just entertainment but a dynamic instrument of change. As Meriem Idrissi Kaitouni, Director of the Story School, said, “At Story School, we are convinced that changing representations and elevating African voices requires telling Africa’s stories differently, in all their diversity and creativity.” With programs like KESSA, the future of African storytelling is brighter than ever.

If you’re ready to amplify your voice and help shape African narratives, applications are open until January 10, 2026, at www.kessa.africa.