Idris Elba calls for empowering Africa's young creators at BRIDGE Summit

Hollywood actor Idris Elba has highlighted the importance of empowering young creators and strengthening Africa’s creative infrastructure at BRIDGE Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

During a talk titled “Democratising the Role of the Creator in a Global Content World”, he shared insights from his three-decade career as a British-born actor of African parents.

His opening remarks emphasised his appreciation at the summit, stating that he sees himself as "a bridge between different cultures".

Discussing the great range of his work as actor, DJ, filmmaker, and philanthropist, Elba conveyed what it means to bridge the global media ecosystem in new and creative ways. He emphasised that Africa holds thousands of untold stories and cultural narratives capable of shaping the global content landscape, noting that creators are uniquely positioned to reshape global perceptions of the continent.

Alba was described as ‘Son of Africa’  by moderator Dr. Julie Gichuru, President & CEO, Africa Leadership and Dialogue Institute as he connected African youth's stories. "I think we are at the edge of a bridge, at this junction in information and media, so let’s use this opportunity at the Summit to connect, form, create and distribute ideas," Elba noted, making clear that the road ahead is not without peril, as misinformation and misuse of media proliferates.

Throughout the session, Elba stressed on the importance of intellectual property ownership and fair compensation, noting that many African countries still lack the policy frameworks required to fully protect creators.

He also discussed leading the Elba Hope Foundation, co-founded with his wife Sabrina to focus on gender equality, young people's issues, and food security. The Foundation is a practical platform for action rather than advocacy alone, teaching young people how to develop their own projects and generate long-term impact.

He also stressed the importance of narrative sovereignty, ensuring that Africa’s stories are told authentically by African creators, supported through responsible use of technology, including AI, highlighting that it “isn’t a threat, it’s an additional tool, and real intelligence is much stronger… we must trust our instincts and practice critical thinking in how we use it.”