Africa’s creative industry deserves to be treated like healthcare- Julius Kyazze

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reports that Julius Kyazze, the entrepreneur behind Uganda’s Swangz Avenue, is urging governments, investors and the public to regard Africa’s creative sector as a core part of economic and social life, not as a discretionary luxury. In the article published on July 28, 2026, Kyazze argues that music, comedy, festivals, film and digital content help people recover from work, maintain morale and return to their jobs more productive.

Kyazze frames entertainment as part of what he calls a “reward” economy: the activities people turn to after long workweeks for rest, connection and emotional renewal. Watchdog Uganda says his argument is rooted in years of building businesses beyond music into radio, live events, media production and talent development.

The report says Kyazze believes Uganda and other African countries often treat creative businesses mainly as sources of tax revenue, while failing to understand the infrastructure, financing and policy support needed for the sector to grow. He also points to a wider challenge: banks, regulators and investors may still view entertainment as informal, limiting the capital needed for training, production facilities, management systems and cross-border expansion.

Kyazze’s broader message is that Africa has abundant creative talent but needs stronger businesses to turn that talent into sustainable careers. The article places his comments within a global shift in which film, music, gaming and online content are increasingly viewed as contributors to jobs, exports, tourism and cultural influence. His call matters especially in African economies seeking more employment pathways for young people.