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Creative, Animation & Gaming Hub

JOWIH AFRICAN ANIMATION & GAMING FRAMEWORK

SECTION 1: PURPOSE AND PRINCIPLES

1.1 Purpose

This Framework establishes the Foundation's approach to developing, financing, producing, distributing, and supporting African animation, gaming, and related creative industries.

The Framework is intended to develop a continental creative economy capable of producing high-quality African stories, characters, intellectual property, games, animation, and interactive experiences for African and international audiences.

The Foundation shall develop both Foundation-owned anchor capabilities and independent African creator and studio participation, creating anEcosystem in which African creative enterprises can access capital, infrastructure, technology, training, production capacity, and distribution opportunities.

1.2 Core Principles

  • African Creative Ownership — The Foundation shall prioritize the development and participation of African creators, studios, developers, artists, writers, producers, and creative enterprises.
  • Build the Core, Enable theEcosystem — The Foundation may establish core production capabilities while simultaneously supporting independent African creative enterprises.
  • Creation, Not Displacement — The Foundation shall seek to expand the African creative economy while they keep independence rather than unnecessarily displace existing creators, studios, or businesses.
  • Quality and Global Competitiveness — Productions supported through the Framework shall pursue international standards of technical, artistic, narrative, and commercial quality.
  • Cultural Authenticity — African cultures, histories, languages, identities, and contemporary experiences shall be represented with respect and creative integrity.
  • Creator Participation — Independent creators and studios may participate through financing, co-production, licensing, distribution, incubation, partnership, or other agreed arrangements.
  • Commercial Sustainability — Creative activities shall seek sustainable revenue through production, licensing, distribution, cinema, gaming, merchandising, partnerships, and related commercial activities.
  • Mission Alignment — Foundation resources shall be deployed consistently with the Foundation's Mission and applicable ring-fenced funding requirements.
  • Fair Creator Compensation — Participating creators shall receive fair compensation for their work, including upfront payments, profit participation, and/or royalties as agreed in the applicable contract.

SECTION 2: THE JOWIH CREATIVEEcosystem

  • 1Ecosystem Structure

The Foundation shall develop a continental creativeEcosystem consisting of:

  • Foundation-owned anchor studios;
  • Independent African animation studios;
  • Independent African gaming studios and developers;
  • Creative technology and production facilities;
  • Training and talent-development programs;
  • Financing and incubation mechanisms;
  • Distribution and commercialization channels;
  • Cinema, gaming, exhibition, and public-facing facilities;
  • International partnerships and distribution relationships.

2.2 Anchor Studios

The Foundation may establish and operate specialized JOWIH Anchor Studios in animation, gaming, and related creative disciplines.

Anchor Studios shall serve as core production capabilities of the Foundation and may be used to:

  • Produce Foundation-owned original intellectual property;
  • Develop major African animation and gaming projects;
  • Train African creative professionals;
  • Develop production technologies and workflows;
  • Establish continental production standards;
  • Undertake co-productions with independent African studios;
  • Provide technical capacity to participating creators.

The initial operational plan may establish four animation studios and two gaming studios, subject to funding, feasibility, talent availability, and subsequent expansion.

The number, location, specialization, or organizational structure of Anchor Studios may be modified by the Foundation without requiring amendment of this Framework.

SECTION 3: INDEPENDENT AFRICAN STUDIOS AND CREATORS

3.1 Participation

The Foundation may invite or accept participation from qualifying African:

  • Animation studios;
  • Game-development studios;
  • Film and television producers;
  • Independent creators;
  • Writers and artists;
  • Music and sound-production enterprises;
  • VFX and post-production companies;
  • Creative technology companies;
  • Other enterprises contributing to the African creative economy.

3.2 Participation Models

Participating enterprises may engage with the Foundation through:

  • Grants;
  • Production financing;
  • Co-production agreements;
  • Revenue-sharing arrangements;
  • Licensing agreements;
  • Distribution agreements;
  • Studio incubation;
  • Infrastructure access;
  • Technology partnerships;
  • Training programs;
  • Joint ventures;
  • Other contractual arrangements approved by the Foundation.

3.3 Independent Enterprise Status

Participation in the JOWIH creativeEcosystem shall not, by itself, constitute ownership of an independent enterprise by the Foundation.

Independent studios and creators shall retain their separate legal identity unless otherwise agreed through a specific written agreement.

3.4 Studio Qualification Criteria

To be eligible for participation, an independent studio shall demonstrate:

  • Majority African ownership - The studio shall be majority-owned and controlled by African persons or entities;
  • A viable creative or commercial proposal - The studio shall present a clear project plan with defined creative, technical, and commercial objectives;
  • Technical capability - The studio shall demonstrate the ability to execute the proposed project to the required standard;
  • Mission alignment - The studio's work shall align with the Foundation's mission of African creative development and continental impact;
  • Commitment to African talent development - The studio shall demonstrate a commitment to hiring, training, and developing African creative professionals.

SECTION 4: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

4.1 Foundation-Owned IP

Intellectual property created entirely through Foundation-owned studios and financed entirely by the Foundation shall ordinarily be owned by the Foundation or its designated subsidiary, subject to applicable law and the relevant production agreements.

4.2 Independent IP

Intellectual property independently created and owned by participating studios or creators shall remain their property unless otherwise provided by a written agreement.

4.3 Co-Produced IP

Where the Foundation and an independent creator or studio jointly finance or develop an intellectual property asset, ownership, licensing, revenue participation, distribution rights, and other commercial rights shall be established through a written co-production or investment agreement.

4.4 Creator Rights

The Foundation shall seek to ensure that agreements clearly establish:

  • Ownership;
  • Licensing rights;
  • Distribution rights;
  • Revenue participation;
  • Merchandising rights;
  • Adaptation rights;
  • Sequels and derivative works;
  • Territory;
  • Duration; and
  • Attribution and applicable creator protections.

No creator shall be required to transfer intellectual property rights beyond the scope expressly established by the applicable agreement.

4.5 IP Protection Against Foreign Exploitation

International partners engaged through this Framework shall not acquire controlling rights in African-created intellectual property. African creators and studios shall retain primary ownership unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing. Any agreement that would transfer controlling rights to a foreign entity shall require prior approval by the Foundation Board.

SECTION 5: AFRICAN CREATIVE FUNDING

5.1 Funding Purpose

Subject to approved budgets and applicable ring-fenced allocations, the Foundation may provide financing to African creative enterprises for:

  • Animation production;
  • Game development;
  • Film and television projects;
  • Creative technology;
  • Production infrastructure;
  • Training and talent development;
  • Distribution;
  • International market access;
  • Research and development; and
  • Other activities advancing the African creative economy.

5.2 Selection

Funding shall be awarded through defined eligibility and evaluation criteria, which may include:

  • Creative quality;
  • African cultural relevance or First World Africa;
  • Commercial viability;
  • Technical feasibility;
  • Talent development potential;
  • Employment creation;
  • Continental distribution potential;
  • Financial sustainability; and
  • Mission alignment.

5.3 Revenue Participation

Where funding is structured as an investment, the Foundation may receive an agreed share of revenue, licensing income, or other commercial proceeds.

The applicable rights and obligations shall be established in the relevant agreement.

5.4 Revenue Sharing Principle

Where the Foundation provides funding to an independent studio, it may receive an agreed percentage of revenue until the investment is fully recovered, followed by a reduced ongoing royalty. The specific terms shall be established in the applicable agreement. The Foundation may also receive a share of licensing, merchandising, and distribution revenue as agreed.

SECTION 6: THE JOWIH AFRICAN CREATIVE & GAMING HUB - LANDMARK FACILITY

6.1 Establishment

The Foundation may establish a major physical creative and gaming hub in Nairobi, Kenya, subject to land availability, feasibility, financing, regulatory approvals, and applicable agreements.

  • The facility shall serve as a continental landmark for African animation, gaming, creative technology, entertainment, and talent development — a destination that signals Africa's creative and technological emergence.

6.2 Core Facilities

The Hub shall include:

  • Animation & Gaming Production Studios
  • Animation production studios;
  • Gaming development facilities;
  • Recording and sound facilities;
  • VFX and post-production facilities;
  • Motion-capture facilities;
  • Creator workspaces.
  • Gaming Arena & Esports Hub
  • Dedicated esports arena for continental and international tournaments;
  • Gaming lounges and practice facilities;
  • Streaming and broadcast studios for gaming events;
  • Spectator areas for live competitions.
  • Tech Exhibition & Innovation Pavilion
  • Permanent and rotating exhibitions featuring African and global technology;
  • Showcases from leading tech companies (NVIDIA, Sony,Samsung ,Huawei, Microsoft, Meta,Oraimo etc.) demonstrating cutting-edge technology;
  • Interactive experiences (AR/VR, AI, robotics, spatial computing);
  • Partnerships with global technology companies for permanent and temporary exhibits;
  • Innovation labs for emerging technologies;
  • Co-working spaces for tech startups and creative technologists.
  • Cinema & Screening Facilities
  • Multiple screening rooms;
  • Premium cinema for premieres and festivals;
  • Outdoor and event screening spaces.
  • Creator Support & Education
  • Training and education facilities;
  • Incubation facilities;
  • Creator workspaces and co-working areas.
  • Cultural & Exhibition Spaces
  • Exhibition and cultural spaces;
  • Event and conference facilities;
  • Retail and merchandising facilities.

6.3 Continental Function

The Hub shall be designed to serve creators and audiences beyond Kenya and may host:

  • African film and animation premieres;
  • Gaming tournaments and esports competitions;
  • Creative-industry conferences;
  • Developer events and hackathons;
  • Training programs;
  • International industry partnerships;
  • Cultural exhibitions;
  • Tech showcases;
  • Other continental creative events.

6.4 Landmark Status

  • The Hub shall be designed as a world-class architectural landmark — a symbol of African creativity, innovation, and technological ambition. It shall serve as a destination for:
  • International visitors;
  • Creative professionals;
  • Technology companies;
  • Investors;
  • Students and educators;
  • Media and content creators;
  • The general African public.

SECTION 7: TRAINING AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT

7.1 Talent Development

The Foundation shall support the development of African talent in:

  • Animation;
  • Game development;
  • Character design;
  • Storytelling;
  • Writing;
  • Music and sound;
  • Visual effects;
  • Programming;
  • Game design;
  • Production management;
  • Creative business management; and
  • Emerging creative technologies.

7.2 Training Pathways

Programs may include:

  • Apprenticeships;
  • Internships;
  • Studio-based training;
  • Scholarships;
  • Creator academies;
  • Technical certification;
  • International exchange programs; and
  • Mentorship.

7.3 Employment

The Framework shall prioritize the creation of sustainable professional opportunities for African creative professionals and enterprises.

7.4 Creator Compensation

Participating creators shall receive fair compensation for their work, including:

  • Upfront payments;
  • Profit participation;
  • Royalties;
  • Licensing fees;
  • Such other compensation as agreed in the applicable contract.

No creator shall be required to work on a speculative or unpaid basis.

SECTION 8: DISTRIBUTION AND MARKET ACCESS

8.1 Continental Distribution

The Foundation may utilize the JOWIH Jowih Asta PARTNERS WITH African apps to integrate e.g POAFLIX,VIUSASA and other approved distribution channels to provide African creative works with access to continental audiences.

8.2 External Distribution

The Foundation may enter into agreements with:

  • Cinemas;
  • Streaming services;
  • Television networks;
  • Game-distribution platforms;
  • Publishers;
  • International distributors;
  • Technology companies; and
  • Other commercial partners.

8.3 Creator Access

Independent participating studios may receive access to Foundation-supported distribution channels according to the terms of their individual agreements.

SECTION 9: CINEMA AND PUBLIC EXPERIENCE

9.1 African Cinema

The Foundation may establish or support cinema infrastructure dedicated to showcasing African animation, film, and other creative works.

9.2 Public Programming

Cinema and public facilities may host:

  • Film premieres;
  • Animation festivals;
  • Gaming showcases;
  • Esports events;
  • Educational programs;
  • Cultural exhibitions;
  • Creator events; and
  • International industry events.

9.3 Accessibility

The Foundation shall seek to make African creative works accessible to broad African audiences while maintaining commercially sustainable operations.

SECTION 10: GAMING AND INTERACTIVE INDUSTRIES

10.1 Gaming Development

The Foundation may develop and support African game studios producing:

  • Mobile games;
  • PC games;
  • Console games;
  • Educational games;
  • Simulation systems;
  • Cultural and historical games;
  • Multiplayer experiences; and
  • Emerging interactive experiences.

10.2 GamingEcosystem

The Foundation may support:

  • Independent developers;
  • Game publishing;
  • Game distribution;
  • Esports;
  • Gaming events;
  • Developer training;
  • Gaming infrastructure; and
  • International market access.

10.3 African IP

The gaming program shall encourage the development of original African intellectual property capable of reaching continental and international markets.

SECTION 11: TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION & INNOVATION PARTNERSHIPS

11.1 Tech Exhibition Pavilion

The Foundation shall establish a dedicated **Technology Exhibition & Innovation Pavilion** within the Hub, designed to showcase:

  • African technology innovations;
  • Global technology partnerships;
  • Cutting-edge creative technologies;
  • Emerging technologies (AI, AR/VR, spatial computing, robotics, etc.);
  • Interactive experiences for the public;
  • Technology demonstrations and workshops.

11.2 Global Tech Partnerships

The Foundation may enter into partnerships with leading global technology companies to:

  • Establish permanent and rotating exhibitions;
  • Provide technology demonstrations;
  • Co-host innovation events and hackathons;
  • Facilitate technology transfer to African creators;
  • Provide training and capacity building;
  • Establish research and development collaborations.

11.3 Technology Transfer

Where appropriate, international partnerships may include technology transfer, technical training, production cooperation, and knowledge exchange.

SECTION 12: REVENUE MODEL

Creative activities supported under this Framework may generate revenue through:

  • Cinema admissions;
  • Streaming and distribution;
  • Licensing;
  • Intellectual property royalties;
  • Gaming sales;
  • In-game commercial arrangements where appropriate;
  • Merchandising;
  • Advertising;
  • Sponsorship;
  • Events and esports;
  • Co-production revenue;
  • International distribution;
  • Tech exhibition admissions and partnerships; and
  • Other lawful commercial activities.

Revenue generated by Foundation-owned activities shall be applied in accordance with the Foundation's constitutional requirements, applicable subsidiary structures, and approved financial frameworks.

SECTION 13: GOVERNANCE AND OVERSIGHT

13.1 Responsible Executive

The designated Foundation Executive responsible for the creative economy shall oversee implementation of this Framework.

13.2 Operational Management

Day-to-day management may be delegated to respective:

  • Studio executives;
  • Creative directors;
  • Gaming executives;
  • Hub management;
  • Investment and funding teams; and
  • Other designated officers.

13.3 Independent Oversight

Foundation creative activities remain subject to the Foundation's existing financial controls, audit requirements, constitutional safeguards, and Independent Auditor General oversight.

13.4 Commercial Independence

Where a Foundation-owned creative enterprise operates commercially, its management may operate with appropriate commercial independence while remaining subject to Foundation governance and mission requirements.

SECTION 15: PHASED DEVELOPMENT

  • Phase 1 — Foundation -- Establish initial Anchor Studios, develop core teams, establish funding mechanisms, and begin African creator partnerships.

Phase 2 -Ecosystem -- Expand participation by independent African studios, launch structured financing and incubation programs, and establish major distribution partnerships.

  • Phase 3 — Nairobi Hub -- Develop the physical Creative & Gaming Hub and integrate production, training, cinema, gaming, and creator facilities. Establish Tech Exhibition Pavilion and begin global tech partnerships.
  • Phase 4 — Continental Expansion - Expand production capacity, creator participation, distribution, and market access across African regions.
  • Phase 5 — Global Market -- Position African studios and intellectual properties for sustained international distribution and commercial success.

The timing of each phase shall depend on funding, feasibility, market conditions, partnerships, and operational readiness.

SECTION 16: NOTE

JOWIH builds the core, funds theEcosystem, creates the stage, and showcases the future -- so African creators can build African stories, games, and intellectual property for Africa and the world.