Ota Kopa and Ota Kopa+: Financing for Creatives in Kenya
Wakiuru Njuguna, HEVA’s Managing Partner gave the Keynote Speech at the press briefing which officially announced Ota Kopa and Ota Kopa+ Loans for Creatives
“At HEVA, we have long believed that the challenges creatives face present opportunities for innovation. This $5M facility, deployed through our financial service provider partners, is a bold step toward ensuring that fashion designers, musicians, filmmakers, photographers, and content creators can access the capital they need to grow, scale, and thrive. Together, we are reshaping the way creatives access funding, paving the way for an ecosystem where innovation and talent can truly flourish.”
HEVA’s new financial products are tailored specifically for businesses operating within three key creative value chains:
✅ Fashion, Garments, and Accessories ✅ Film, Television, Content Creation, Gaming, and Audio-Visual✅ Live Music, Theatre, and Performing Arts
These value chains encompass a wide range of creative professionals, including fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians, photographers, content creators, make-up artists, and game developers. A comprehensive list of 300+ creative professions is available here.
How the Financing Works
Through partnerships with Longitude Capital, Tenakata Ltd, Kenya Bankers Sacco, Lipa Later Ltd, Shop Zetu, and Wowzi, HEVA is rolling out the following financial products:
Ota Kopa – Loans of up to KSh 999,999
Ota Kopa Plus – Loans from KSh 1 million to KSh 4,999,999
These facilities will provide creatives with the financial backing they need to purchase equipment, fund new productions, expand their businesses, and secure more opportunities. Importantly, HEVA and its partners have ensured that these loans remain affordable and accessible, catering to the unique financial cycles of creative enterprises.
The panel was made up of our financial service provider and aggregator platform partners. They unpacked the challenges that creatives typically face around financing, how Ota Kopa and Ota Kopa+ are able to meet the needs of the local industry, and how funding will be accessed.
A Bold Step Towards Inclusive Financial Access
HEVA’s Managing Partner, Wakiuru Njuguna, emphasized the impact of this initiative, stating:
“We are delighted to enter into these partnerships to disburse a total of $5 million to individuals and enterprises in the cultural and creative industries. The goal is to expand the pool of capital available to the sector and ensure access to affordable, responsive financial products, as well as business advisory services. The creative industry-tailored Ota Kopa and Ota Kopa Plus loans position us to reach more creatives, empowering them to unlock their potential and drive sustainable growth.”
HEVA has also implemented a deliberate and targeted strategy to ensure that 70% of the 7,000 beneficiaries will be young women, with additional provisions for refugees (10%) and persons with disabilities (5%).
We hosted a press briefing in Nairobi on 11th March to mark this major milestone in our journey—bringing together our partners, the press, creatives, and key industry shapers to announce a bold new step for creative financing in Kenya.
Shifting the Narrative on Creative Sector Financing
Despite the creative sector’s immense economic potential, access to financing has long been a major barrier. Michael Monari, speaking on behalf of Longitude Capital, reiterated the importance of this initiative:
“We know from experience that there is a tremendous need for financial support in the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI), and we are committed to providing the necessary support. Our goal is to challenge the biases and myths about the sector and create new narratives. Through this initiative, we aim to demonstrate that the creative industry can provide profitable, fulfilling, and dignified livelihoods for thousands of people.”
How to Apply
Interested creatives and businesses will apply for Ota Kopa & Ota Kopa Plus loans through HEVA’s partner financial institutions and aggregator platforms. More information on eligibility criteria, application steps, and funding details will be shared on HEVA’s website and social media platforms in the coming days.
💡 It’s time for creatives to turn up and apply!
