With the tagline "A is not for Apple, A is for Africa", Ugandan entrepreneur Louisa Kiwana Olafuyi is transforming the way African stories are presented to young children. Together with her husband, she founded Kunda Kids, a UK-based animation publisher and production company that offers picture books and animated series celebrating African history and culture. Her Africa's Little Kings & Queens collection and the Kunda and Friends series have been acclaimed for connecting children - especially from the African diaspora - to their roots in a positive, educational and visually engaging way.
International media such as BusinessDay, Voice of America and BBC have confirmed the success of the project, highlighting its educational and cultural impact. The Kunda Kids books sold over a thousand copies in their first week, and the animated series has positioned itself as a reference in African children's content. Louisa, with a background in journalism and communication, is committed to combating negative stereotypes about Africa through authentic narratives and characters that African children can relate to.
This movement is part of a growing trend in African animation, with productions such as Supa Team 4 and Iwájú gaining a global presence. Louisa Olafuyi is thus emerging as a key figure in the new wave of creators who aspire to build an "African Disney", where identity, diversity and cultural pride are the pillars of a generation that is growing up with its own references and genuine stories from the African continent.
Source: louisaolafuyi.com; @africabusinessheroes