Africa Eyes $20 Billion Film Industry Boom as AFFF Charts Path for Pan-African Creative Growth

In a bold move to reshape Africa’s creative economy, the Africa Film Finance Forum (AFFF) has announced strategic efforts to unlock a $20 billion Pan-African film industry, positioning storytelling as a tool not just for culture, but for capital creation.

This vision was laid out in a press statement issued in Lagos by Mary Ephraim-Egbas, the Convener of AFFF, who emphasized the importance of converting Africa’s rich storytelling legacy into structured economic power.

“Storytelling was birthed on African soil. Our narratives have shaped identities, driven change, and connected generations. Now is the time to move from merely telling stories to generating wealth from them,” Ephraim-Egbas remarked.

Despite being home to some of the world’s most vibrant creative talents, the African film industry remains largely informal, fragmented, and underfunded. Nigeria’s Nollywood, one of the largest film industries globally, serves as both a case study of potential and a reminder of persistent setbacks.

Nollywood reportedly contributes over $6.4 billion annually to the economy and sustains hundreds of thousands of jobs. Yet, it bleeds an estimated $2 billion yearly to piracy, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities that mirror those across the continent.

While global appetite for African content grows, the region’s creative ecosystem remains hamstrung by lack of investment, fragmented production and distribution channels, and insufficient government support.

Key Details:

The upcoming 2025 edition of the Africa Film Finance Forum (AFFF), set to take place from September 16–18 in Lagos, aims to confront these hurdles head-on.

The gathering will bring together a powerful network of industry stakeholders from filmmakers and investors to policymakers, distributors, and tech innovators with one shared mission: to transform Africa’s storytelling power into a formal, thriving economy.

Bolaji Abimbola, co-chair of AFFF’s Public Relations and Strategic Communications Committee, stressed the importance of reimagining the film industry as essential infrastructure, not just entertainment.

Meanwhile, co-chair Clarina De Freitas noted that while African stories are among the most sought-after globally, they require significant investment, reliable institutions, and scalable platforms to thrive.

“Whether it’s roadside DVD stalls, cinema halls, or mobile streaming apps, our goal is to create a unified Pan-African film ecosystem led by Africans who understand the value of their culture and creativity,” De Freitas stated.

Looking Ahead:

Themed “Pan-African Film Economy: Building a $20 Billion Industry for 1.4 Billion People”, AFFF 2025 is part of a larger movement across Africa to recognize the creative industries as engines of inclusive development and sustainable growth.

With increasing global recognition and rising local demand, Africa’s film industry stands at a critical turning point. If successful, this initiative could help position the continent as not just a cultural hub but an economic force in global entertainment.