Kenya's plan to host an Africa Recording Academy headquarters moved forward on September 11, 2026. The Recording Academy, the group that holds the Grammy Awards, said that several important steps were complete.

The academy wants to expand in Africa, and Kenya is competing to host it, along with Nigeria and South Africa. The Kenyan government has invested $3.9 million in the project.

Academy President Panos Panay explained that Africa's place in the global music industry cannot be judged by a single opening date. What matters more is the steady work behind it. "For things to happen, you need conditions, you need persistence," he said.

Panay mentioned progress already made, such as a Grammy category for African music and a training program supported by the United States. He added that the academy hopes to bring in more African members. Grammy winners are chosen by a vote among its members.

Kenyan President William Ruto said the investment aimed to turn the country's creative economy into a real source of income for artists. Manuel Abud, head of the Latin Recording Academy, stated that Africa's effort would take time, just as his own organization once grew slowly over many years.