Selar, Africa’s leading digital creators’ platform, is making a significant leap by expanding its presence into Kenya. This move is a strategic decision aimed at tapping into Kenya’s vibrant creative sector, which has emerged as a major hub for digital innovation and content creation in East Africa.
Founded by Douglas Kendyson, Selar has been a transformative force in the African digital economy. The platform provides a robust e-commerce store builder that allows creators to showcase and sell a variety of digital products, including courses, e-books, music, art, tickets, and more. With Kenya’s rich tapestry of creators across different fields, Selar’s expansion into the country is poised to unlock new opportunities for local talent.
Kendyson highlighted the significance of this expansion, stating, “Kenya is the biggest market in East Africa with lots of amazing creators across the board. This Kenya expansion is one of the most important decisions we have made as a company. We are also really excited about collaborating with lots of Kenyan creators in the coming months.” His enthusiasm reflects Selar’s commitment to not only supporting African creators but also driving economic growth through the digital economy.
Selar’s expansion aligns with its mission to empower creators by providing them with the tools needed to monetize their knowledge and skills effectively. In the past year alone, the platform facilitated over Sh520 million in payments to African creators, a testament to its impact and reach. With over one million registered users and more than two hundred thousand creators spread across fifteen African countries, Selar has established itself as a major player in the continent’s creative economy.
The African creative economy, a sector encompassing entrepreneurs, artists, influencers, bloggers, and other content creators, was valued at approximately $3.08 billion (Sh400 billion) in 2023. According to market intelligence firm Coherent MI, this figure is expected to soar to $17.84 billion (Sh2.3 trillion) by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.5%. This explosive growth underscores the increasing value and potential of the creative economy, driven by digital platforms like Selar that enable creators to reach wider audiences and monetize their talents.
Kenya’s creative sector has been a significant part of this growth, and Selar’s new initiatives are set to amplify these opportunities. The platform offers creators the flexibility to customize their storefronts, set pricing, manage orders, and handle payments seamlessly. Additionally, Selar provides valuable analytics and insights, allowing creators to track their performance and optimize their strategies for greater success.
This expansion is further bolstered by Selar’s recent acceptance into a prestigious job tech accelerator program, where it received a $50,000 grant. This recognition is expected to enhance Selar’s ability to support and grow the digital ecosystem in Kenya and across Africa. The grant will aid in developing more features and tools tailored to the needs of Kenyan creators, reinforcing Selar’s commitment to turning passions into sustainable careers.
As Selar makes its mark in Kenya, it is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of digital creation and commerce in the region. By offering a platform that empowers creators and supports their growth, Selar is not only expanding its business but also contributing to the broader economic and creative landscape in Kenya and beyond.
