Idris Elba sparks dialogue on creator power at BRIDGE Summit 2025
Hollywood actor highlights Africa’s untold stories and youth-driven creative potential
ABU DHABI – Hollywood actor Idris Elba received an enthusiastic welcome as he took the stage as the first guest speaker of BRIDGE Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Setting the tone for the event, he offered insights drawn from more than three decades of work as an actor, DJ, filmmaker and philanthropist. His message centred on unity, cultural connection and the global empowerment of creators. Elba repeatedly described himself as a bridge between different worlds, reflecting the Summit’s mission to strengthen creative dialogue and reshape the exchange of global narratives.
Dr Julie Gichuru, President and CEO of the Africa Leadership and Dialogue Institute, introduced him as a “Son of Africa”, a title that resonated with many of the themes he explored. He spoke of Africa’s vast reservoir of untold stories and the need to ensure its young creators have the infrastructure, confidence and support to share them with the world.
Cultural purpose
Opening the conversation, Elba reflected on the educational and cultural value of storytelling, describing himself as an actor whose work transforms words on a page into human experience. He said his craft enables him to connect cultures through the characters he portrays, noting that the Summit represented a pivotal moment to rethink how content is formed and distributed.
He stated that the world stands at an inflection point in media and information. This evolving environment, he added, makes gatherings such as the BRIDGE Summit essential for sharing ideas and building trust at a time when many people feel uncertain about what information to believe. Referencing the opening ceremony film, he said communication remains the key to fostering understanding amid rapid changes within the global media landscape.
Creative empowerment
Throughout the session, Elba focused on the importance of giving young talent the tools to thrive. He highlighted the work of The Akuna Group, which he founded to support African creators with practical solutions in distribution, financing and long-term project development. Its offerings include the Akuna Wallet, designed to help creators strengthen their financial stability and access wider markets.
Elba noted that intellectual property ownership and fair compensation remain critical pillars of creative empowerment. Many African countries, he explained, still require stronger policy frameworks to adequately protect the rights and livelihoods of artists working across film, music and digital content. Strengthening such systems, he said, would help ensure that creators retain value from their own stories and can compete on a global scale.
He also described the work of the Elba Hope Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife Sabrina. The organisation focuses on gender equality, food security and youth development, offering training that encourages young people to build and sustain their own initiatives. He emphasised that the Foundation serves as a platform for action, providing practical guidance and collaborative opportunities.
Youth focus
Elba’s remarks repeatedly returned to the role of Africa’s youth, who he said sit at the heart of the continent’s creative future. He described them as agile, imaginative and capable of driving meaningful change when supported with the right resources. His initiatives, he explained, are designed to act as bridges between Africa and the wider world, enabling young people to apply their skills to pressing issues while building lasting creative careers.
He also stressed that powerful storytelling can bolster confidence among young creators, helping them recognise the value in their own voices. Authentic stories, he said, encourage communities to see themselves represented and offer global audiences a deeper understanding of Africa’s cultural diversity.
Narrative sovereignty
In response to questions about technology, Elba addressed concerns over artificial intelligence. He said AI should not be viewed as a threat but as an additional tool that can assist creators if used responsibly. He emphasised the importance of real intelligence, critical thinking and ethical decision-making, adding that Africa’s creators must approach new technologies with awareness and confidence.
He underscored the concept of narrative sovereignty, stating that Africa’s stories must be told authentically by Africans. Responsible technology use, he said, should support storytellers rather than undermine their ownership of cultural narratives. Responsible innovation, he added, can help protect the continent’s creative future while offering new opportunities for growth.
The session concluded with strong applause, marking a dynamic start to BRIDGE Summit 2025 and reinforcing the event’s aim to amplify global creative talent.