Nyanzi Martin Luther Says Africa Needs More CEOs Like Kin Kariisa 

KAMPALA — In an era where many young Africans are searching for leaders who represent innovation, resilience, and transformational thinking, Next Media Group CEO Kin Kariisa is increasingly earning admiration from emerging entrepreneurs across the continent.

Among those openly praising Kariisa’s leadership is Nyanzi Martin Luther, a young entrepreneur and founder of Apex Media Services, who says the media executive has become a powerful example of how African business leaders can build impactful institutions while empowering the next generation.

According to Nyanzi, Kariisa’s rise from a young entrepreneur to the head of one of Uganda’s biggest multimedia companies reflects a leadership model many young Africans now aspire to emulate.

“Kin Kariisa represents a different kind of African CEO,” Nyanzi said. “He has built institutions, supported talent, embraced innovation, and shown that young Africans can compete at a global level when given the right leadership and opportunities.”

Kariisa currently serves as the Group CEO of Next Media, the company behind several leading brands including NBS TV, Sanyuka TV, Salam TV, NBS Sport, Next Radio, and digital news platform Nile Post.

Since assuming leadership of NBS TV in 2008, he has transformed the company into one of East Africa’s fastest-growing multimedia organizations with more than 22 brands operating across television, radio, digital media, sports broadcasting, and content production.

The company’s rapid expansion has created employment opportunities for hundreds of young Ugandans while contributing significantly to the country’s growing creative economy.

Nyanzi says what makes Kariisa stand out is his ability to combine business growth with youth empowerment and innovation-driven leadership.

“At a time when many young people are struggling with unemployment and limited opportunities, seeing African CEOs invest in youth and creativity is very inspiring,” he said.

“His journey gives hope to young entrepreneurs who want to build something meaningful.”He pointed to initiatives such as Next Creata, a platform that nurtures young creatives and digital storytellers, as evidence of Kariisa’s commitment to talent development and long-term transformation within the media industry.

Beyond broadcasting, Kariisa has also built a reputation in corporate leadership circles. He serves as Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters and has previously sat on the board of Ecobank Uganda.

He recently joined the board of Standard Chartered Uganda.His growing influence in both media and corporate governance has made him one of Uganda’s most recognizable business leaders, particularly among young professionals interested in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Nyanzi believes Africa’s future will increasingly depend on leaders capable of building institutions that create opportunities beyond profit-making.

“Young Africans are now paying attention to leaders who create impact, empower people, and think long-term,” he said. “Kin Kariisa has shown that success is not only about money but about transforming lives and building systems that outlive individuals.”

As Africa’s private sector continues to expand, many young entrepreneurs say leaders like Kariisa are helping redefine what modern African leadership looks like in a rapidly changing digital era.