Africa Film Fund Launches in Kigali to Empower African Storytellers and Ignite Creative Economy Growth
In a significant move for Africa’s creative industry, the newly launched Africa Film Fund, powered by Afreximbank’s investment arm, the Fund for Export-Development in Africa (FEDA), was officially unveiled in Kigali, Rwanda, under the banner of the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) platform. The announcement marks a new chapter for African storytellers as the fund aims to address longstanding challenges in the film and television sectors, including underfunding, inadequate post-production infrastructure, and limited access to global audiences.
The fund is set to empower African creatives by offering financial support and infrastructure to help them produce world-class films and television content that can be distributed internationally. With Africa’s cultural and creative sectors rapidly growing, the Africa Film Fund is poised to fuel this momentum by tackling systemic barriers that have historically hindered the sector’s global competitiveness.
A Vision for Global Impact
According to Afreximbank, the Africa Film Fund’s mission is to rewrite the narrative for African storytellers. By removing the barriers to film production and distribution, the fund seeks to propel African films onto the global stage, ensuring that African voices are heard and celebrated worldwide. The initiative aligns closely with Afreximbank’s broader creative agenda, which is centered on catalyzing Africa’s creative economy.
Benedict Oramah, president of Afreximbank and chairman of FEDA, spoke passionately about the strategic importance of this fund. “The establishment of the Africa Film Fund is timely as it will help accelerate the growth of Africa’s creative sector,” he explained. “Despite rapid growth, the sector continues to face challenges such as funding, scaling, and accessing global markets. This fund aims to address these issues head-on.”
Oramah emphasized that the initiative is not just a financial intervention but also a cultural statement. Through investments in the film sector and initiatives like the CANEX Shorts Awards, Afreximbank aims to amplify a diverse range of African voices and experiences. This, he believes, will unlock the potential of Africa’s creative industry to drive economic growth across the continent.
Building a Thriving Ecosystem for African Creatives
FEDA’s CEO, Marlene Ngoyi, reiterated the fund’s long-term vision, highlighting the importance of creating a sustainable and thriving ecosystem for African creatives. “The Africa Film Fund is not merely about financing films – it is about building an ecosystem that empowers Africa’s creative talent, fosters cultural exchange, and catalyzes economic transformation,” Ngoyi said. “At FEDA, we are committed to ensuring this initiative has a tangible and lasting impact on the creative industries across Africa.”
The Africa Film Fund is not just an investment in individual films but also a broader effort to nurture the continent’s creative infrastructure. By empowering filmmakers with the resources they need to succeed, the fund aims to create a sustainable creative economy that supports future generations of storytellers.
Support from Global Industry Veterans
The launch of the Africa Film Fund has already garnered international attention and support, with Hollywood veterans praising the initiative. Viola Davis, Oscar-winning actress and co-founder of JVL Media, expressed her excitement about the fund, calling it an invitation to the world to see Africa through the lens of its own creators. “This fund is bold, unfiltered, and rich in truth,” Davis said. “I am proud to be a part of this momentous step toward a more inclusive global film industry.”
Actor and managing partner at FC Media Group, Boris Kodjoe, also shared his enthusiasm for the initiative. “I am grateful and excited to partner with Afreximbank and FEDA to support the development of quality content in Africa and beyond,” Kodjoe said. “This fund represents a transformative moment for the film industry, not only in Africa but on a global scale.”
A Bright Future for Africa’s Film Industry
With the Africa Film Fund now officially launched, the future of Africa’s film industry looks brighter than ever. The fund provides African filmmakers with the tools and support they need to produce high-quality content that resonates with global audiences. By addressing the financial and infrastructural gaps in the industry, the fund is helping to position Africa as a key player in the global film and television landscape.
As the cameras roll and the first wave of funded projects begins to take shape, the world is about to experience a new era of African storytelling. The Africa Film Fund is not just about funding films; it’s about shaping the future of the creative economy, fostering cultural exchange, and creating a sustainable ecosystem for African creatives to thrive. This bold initiative marks a new chapter for Africa’s film industry, one that will undoubtedly capture the attention of global audiences and showcase the richness of African culture on the world stage.
