A young Ghanaian writer and Filmmaker, Dacosta Boakye, has been awarded a grant from AfricaNoFilter for the prestigious Tony Elumelu Storytellers Fund, becoming the only Ghanaian and one of 17 African winners to receive the grant.

Boakye’s project aims to bridge the gap between creativity and entrepreneurship in Ghana, with a focus on helping creatives make a sustainable living from their craft.

"I am thrilled and honored to be awarded this grant from the Tony Elumelu Storytellers Fund," said Dacosta Alpha Boakye. "I believe that creativity and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand, and I am passionate about exploring ways in which creatives in Ghana and Africa can realize the potential of their talents as a means of livelihood."

The project also aims to address the issue of unemployment, which has been exacerbated by the global pandemic.

According to a survey, the worldwide unemployment rate rose to 6.5% in 2020, with 220 million people being unemployed. Dacosta believes that by empowering creatives to create businesses around their talents, they can become self-sufficient and contribute to economic growth in Ghana and Africa.

Boakye’s project has garnered attention for its innovative approach to bridging the gap between creativity and entrepreneurship. He envisions a future where young creatives in Africa do not solely rely on social media for sharing their work, but also have monetization options and can build sustainable businesses from their talents.

The project aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ending poverty in all its forms and promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.

"This project is not just about my personal journey, but also about making a positive impact in my community and society at large," he added. "I want to empower other young creatives to see the possibilities of turning their passions into profitable ventures, and I am grateful to the Tony Elumelu Storytellers Fund for supporting my vision."

Named after patron, African business leader and philanthropist, Tony O. Elumelu, the project is jointly funded by Heirs Insurance and Heirs Life Assurance.

The Tony Elumelu Storytellers Fund is a philanthropic initiative by Africa No Filter that aims to empower and support African storytellers who use their creative talents to drive positive change in their communities.

Africa No Filter supports a community of storytellers and organizations already working to shift stereotypical narratives of Africa through the development of nuanced and contemporary stories. They do this by investing in Research, Grantmaking, Community Building and Advocacy.