Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the nature of work, careers and business development in different countries and industries within Africa’s creative economy. It also focuses on the challenges that female filmmakers face while operating in Kenya’s film industry, including limited distribution networks, access to funding and governmental support. The book highlights important policy recommendations for how the government can help support and sustain the industry. It provides policy recommendations and joins the call made by others for the need to “de-Westernise” knowledge about creative coworking. The book considers the emergence of creative hubs and coworking spaces in East Africa. It also considers the complex and integrated nature of creative spaces and clusters of creative and cultural industries (CCIs). To combat unemployment, poverty and inequality, developing countries have been implementing specific cultural development policies at the regional level that are aimed at growing the CCIs