Founder of Learnstar, Kshitij Sainani, has canvassed inclusive and sustainable environment that will allow young creatives thrive and contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Speaking at the Learnstar Creative Summit held in Lagos recently, he disclosed Learnstar connects talented young Africans with industry leaders through a blend of software and hardware solutions, facilitating access to learning, mentorship and community development.

To him, “we have educational courses for the creative economy, courses like music, entertainment, sports, and fashion. These courses are facilitated by celebrity figures such as Dr. Jeremiah Ogbodo, popularly known as Swanky Jerry, Asa Asika, manager of Afrobeats star Davido; and Johnny Jane, a superstar musician.”

Speaking on gaps, he revealed, “the challenge on both the creative and corporate sides is that capital exists within the corporate space, but there is no clear channel connecting it to the creative space, and creatives face the same barrier in reverse. Musicians, painters, and artisans often do not know where to access funding. If we, as a community, can build an ecosystem that brings both worlds together where they can meet, learn, and network, we believe the capital will follow.”

In addition, he made reference to the company’s “Skill Up” programme, sponsored by AIICO Insurance.

He stated that the initiative aims to train 3,000 youths, and through the partnership with AIICO Insurance, 1,000 fully funded scholarships have already been made available.