Story za Joby

From the beginning, our vision for Joby extended beyond simply connecting people with jobs. We aimed to empower individuals, to shift the balance, and to create a new perspective on building inclusive systems that truly serve young Africans, particularly those who haven’t always had access.

This year’s Africa Forum on Displacement (AFD2025) sharpened that purpose. The theme ‘ALL IN’ wasn’t just a slogan, it was a challenge. A call to break the cycle of exclusion and bring displaced communities into the center of economic life, not as charity cases, but as builders, leaders, and partners.

We took that challenge personally. Through Joby, we connected young creatives across multiple roles, including refugee performers like John Matiop (K2) and Fariji Napa, with roles that allowed them to perform and lead. Their talent didn’t need a spotlight to be valid. But it deserved one.

At Joby, we are building the infrastructure to make that possible. Not a band-aid. Not a feel-good app. A resilient, adaptive system that connects young Africans, regardless of where they come from—to dignified work they can own. A platform that works for people who weren’t even supposed to be part of the system in the first place.

We are 100% ALL IN. Because partial inclusion is exclusion. And because anything less than transformation is not enough.

While we carry the weight of expectations, the pressure to scale, and the fear that we might not get there fast enough; we also carry the stories of every young person who has ever asked for more than survival – for a real shot at defining their own future.

That’s who we’re building for. That’s who we answer to.

To the co-conveners of AFD2025: UNHCR Partnerships Africa, The Amahoro Coalition and INKOMOKO, congratulations. You didn’t just host a forum, you built a space that challenged the norm. A space where inclusion wasn’t just discussed, but practiced.

#AFD2025

Joby partnered with Dentsu Creative to identify 300 young, aspiring influencers keen on developing their careers as content creators.

Dentsu Creative is a global creative agency network within the larger Dentsu Group, designed to deliver modern, integrated creative solutions. They emphasize “Transformative Creativity,” aiming to drive growth for clients by connecting brand, content, commerce, and experience through data-driven insights. Through a custom, first-of-its-kind programme, they put out a call for young creators who have the drive to become powerful, responsible, creative voices in influencer marketing to join the Dentsu School of Influence through applications on Joby.

“At Dentsu Creative, we believe influence is a catalyst for advocacy. Influencers have the power to shape conversations, have lasting impressions on their followers and make societal impact. With that comes great responsibility. As the new generation of influencers enter social media channels as creators and thought leaders, we have a vision to provide these creators with a platform to maximize their income, produce content that is effective and navigate the responsibility that comes with being tastemakers. In response, we developed the Dentsu School of Influence, a custom, first of its kind programme for a collective of young creators”

What does the Dentsu School of Influence involve?

• Access to content production expertise
• Exposure to unique learning opportunities
• Connection to brands and brand teams
• Bespoke media training & learning

The School of influence is designed to identify, train, and empower 200 creators annually (100 per cohort) through a four-day intensive workshop. The program culminates in a graduation ceremony with the top 20 participants attached to ALWAYS-ON campaigns by Dentsu Kenya’s clients.

Our Genzen resident for February was the incredible artist – Katanu Sanna – who produced the incredible painting below.

“To New Beginnings”

A symbolic painting of a young woman taming a lion against a sunrise or sunset, representing the transition of power in Kenya from older generations to the youth. Both figures share kitenge manes, signifying their deep connection and shared ambitions. The lion embodies Kenya and its people, while the woman represents the younger generation stepping into leadership. Her nudity reflects renewal, vulnerability, and progressive change, including gender equality and the end of femicide. The act of taming the lion symbolizes humility and the passing of responsibility, marking a new chapter for the nation.

Gen Zen is a creative residency by Joby Africa in partnership with Light Art Club, Vijana Amkeni and DWG Holdings that nurtures Gen Z talent through immersive experiences, mentorship, and collaboration. Joby connects young creatives to real opportunities, bridging creativity with career growth.

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