Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Meet Our Host & Speakers

Host

Seth Busolo

Creative Economy Strategist | Storyteller | Producer

Seth Busolo is a creative economy strategist and storyteller committed to helping African talent move from potential to sustainable opportunity. At ALX, he leads Creative Economy Initiatives across eight cities, building programs and partnerships that support the growth of designers, filmmakers, and content creators across the continent.

Before joining ALX, Seth worked in digital content strategy, where he managed large-scale creative partnerships and helped launch an education-focused streaming initiative that reached over 600,000 users.

Early in his career, Seth had the rare opportunity to spend time on the set of NBC’s Aquarius (Paramount Pictures), where he quietly observed the behind-the-scenes process of professional television production — from script breakdowns to logistics and live shooting. Though brief, that experience left a lasting impression and deepened his respect for the craft, discipline, and collaboration that great storytelling demands.
Since then, Seth has written for some of Kenya’s most beloved TV shows — including Groove Theory (Zuku), and One in a Million (Maisha Magic-Mnet) — and produced theatrical work designed to spark behavior change and cultural reflection within organizations such as Coca-Cola, Diageo, and British American Tobacco.

Whether working behind the scenes or leading strategy on the front lines, Seth brings a grounded belief to all his work: that African creatives deserve not just to be seen, but to be supported, paid, and positioned for long-term success.

Fireside Chat Guest

Zelalem Woldemariam

Filmmaker | CEO, Zeleman Communications | Creative Economy Pioneer

Zelalem Woldemariam is a visionary filmmaker and creative entrepreneur who has redefined what’s possible in Ethiopia’s creative economy. As the founder and CEO of Zeleman Communications — Ethiopia’s leading 360° communications, advertising, and production agency — Zelalem built a creative empire from the ground up, growing a five-person team into a powerhouse of over 140 professionals, 70% of whom are women.

His award-winning films, including Lezare and ADAMT, have received international acclaim for their powerful storytelling and social impact — reflecting his belief that storytelling is not just entertainment, but a tool for economic growth, cultural preservation, and transformation.

Under his leadership, Zeleman has delivered groundbreaking work across advertising, digital media, brand strategy, and film — working with global organizations while elevating local narratives. His commitment to creative excellence led to the launch of Zeleman Academy, a first-of-its-kind institution dedicated to training the next generation of African talent in film, advertising, and AI-powered storytelling.

From Cannes to Addis, from commercials to classrooms, Zelalem continues to shape the future of African storytelling — proving that when creativity is matched with bold leadership, it becomes a business that can transform lives.

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MESSAGE FROM

Our Founder

I believe that those of us who are privileged enough to be educated, healthy, and part of powerful networks should not be doing easy things. The only way to justify our privilege is to do the hard things that society demands of us — to solve tough problems and create opportunities for others. I launched The Room to bring the most ambitious ‘doers’ together to do these hard things that will change the world. I welcome you to be a part of our story and join this global community as we make history together.

Fred Swaniker