RISE CEO Donates Land to Liberia Movie Union, Unveils Arts Academy and Youth Jobs Initiative - FrontPageAfrica

MONROVIA — In a major boost to Liberia’s creative sector, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rigorous Innovative Solution for Excellence (RISE) Liberia, Stephene Audrey Kpoto, has donated a parcel of land to the Liberia Movie Union to support the growth of arts and entertainment in the country.

Kpoto disclosed that the land, located in Montserrado County, forms part of a broader Mini-City project she is currently developing, signaling what she described as a long-term investment in Liberia’s creative economy.

The announcement was made Friday in Monrovia when she served as guest speaker at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Liberia Movie Union and the Sierra Leone Film Guild and Labour Union.

Beyond the land donation, Kpoto revealed plans for the construction of Liberia’s first historic Arts Academy — a state-of-the-art facility expected to feature advanced studios and training spaces. The academy, she said, is slated to open in August 2026.

She used the occasion to rally young people in the creative sector to remain resilient, urging them not to abandon their talents despite persistent challenges.

“Africa is increasingly coming together to promote the creative sector,” she noted, warning that limited opportunities continue to drive talent loss across the continent.

Kpoto emphasized the need for a supportive ecosystem that nurtures creativity, adding that arts, entertainment, and music remain powerful tools for social change and global storytelling.

She also outlined a series of ambitious initiatives, including the development of a technology-driven platform aimed at creating up to five million jobs for young people. The proposed application, she explained, will allow entertainers to monetize their content through monthly earnings and performance-based incentives.

In addition, a complementary tech hub is expected to provide training and resources to empower youth and strengthen Liberia’s digital and creative industries.

Kpoto further disclosed ongoing partnerships with international institutions, including a Swiss-based organization, to facilitate exchange programs between Liberian artists and their counterparts across Europe and Africa.

Plans are also underway for an international fashion showcase in Egypt following a Liberian launch, aimed at expanding global exposure for local talent. She referenced previous collaborations, including a fashion event held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, Nigeria, as part of efforts to elevate African creatives on the global stage.

According to Kpoto, the initiatives collectively represent a significant investment in Liberia’s creative economy, with the potential to create jobs, stimulate growth, and position Liberian artists for greater international recognition.