• BlackRhino VR develops virtual, augmented, and mixed reality content tailored to African narratives.
• Founder Brian Afande launched the Nairobi-based studio in 2015 to build a local immersive ecosystem.
• The company delivers 360° video, live immersive streaming, and interactive virtual environments.

Brian Afande operates as a Kenyan entrepreneur and leads BlackRhino VR, a company specializing in extended reality (XR), including virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies. He co-founded the company and directs its strategy as chief executive officer.

The company launched in 2015 and positions itself as a production studio focused on immersive content that reflects African realities. It aims to support the emergence of an innovative creative ecosystem by leveraging these technologies for socio-economic and cultural development.

BlackRhino VR produces 360-degree video content, and it integrates structured storytelling inspired by cinema and documentary formats. The company manages the full production process, from image stitching to sound design, to deliver ready-to-distribute content.

Moreover, the company offers live panoramic streaming solutions that allow viewers to select their viewing angle in real time, thereby creating a more immersive experience than traditional video formats. These solutions target events seeking to expand remote accessibility.

In addition, BlackRhino VR develops applications and interactive environments that immerse users in dedicated digital worlds. The company serves artists, brands, institutions, and corporations that seek to tell stories, present projects, or offer immersive virtual tours.

Brian Afande graduated from the University of Nairobi. He began his career in 2007 at BlackStar Entertainment as a public relations manager. He later became a portfolio manager in the retail sector at Kenya International Sports in 2011. Between 2015 and 2019, he worked as customer experience manager at Paradigm Experiential, a firm specializing in digital experiential marketing and advertising.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum