The Africa Film Fund, a groundbreaking initiative powered by the Fund for Export-Development in Africa (FEDA), has officially been launched in Kigali, Rwanda, under the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) platform.
This landmark event aims to transform Africa’s storytelling landscape by addressing longstanding challenges such as underfunding, limited post-production infrastructure, and restricted access to global audiences.
With this fund, African filmmakers now have an opportunity to tell their stories to the world with greater quality and reach. By promoting the creation and global distribution of world-class films and television content, the fund seeks to establish Africa as a powerhouse of creative and cultural exports.
Benedict Oramah, president of Afreximbank and chairman of FEDA, underscored the significance of the fund during the launch event.
“The establishment of the Africa Film Fund is timely as it will help accelerate the growth of Africa’s creative sector, which has witnessed rapid growth but continues to face significant challenges, including funding, scaling, and accessing global markets,” Oramah stated.
He emphasized that the initiative was not just a financial commitment but a cultural statement—a bold declaration of Africa’s readiness to reclaim its narrative on the global stage.
For Oramah, this fund is a direct response to the need for sustainable investment in Africa’s creative industry.
Beyond the financial aspect, Oramah highlighted the fund’s alignment with Afreximbank’s broader creative agenda.
“Through investments in the film sector, alongside initiatives such as the CANEX Shorts Awards, Afreximbank is committed to celebrating and amplifying a diverse range of African voices and experiences,” he explained.
This commitment goes beyond one-off projects, aiming instead to cultivate a vibrant creative ecosystem across the continent.
Oramah’s vision is clear—Africa’s stories should not only be told but also be celebrated globally, reflecting the continent’s diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives.
Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of FEDA, expanded on this vision, emphasizing the fund’s focus on building a sustainable creative ecosystem.
“The Africa Film Fund is not merely about financing films—it is about building a thriving ecosystem that empowers Global Africa’s creative talent, fosters cultural exchange, and catalyzes economic transformation,” she stated.
Ngoyi’s message was clear: the fund is a long-term commitment to nurturing talent, enhancing creative capacities, and ensuring African stories reach audiences worldwide.
Her remarks reinforced the idea that this initiative is a strategic investment in Africa’s creative future.
Kanayo Awani, Afreximbank’s executive VP of Intra-African Trade and Export Development, further highlighted the fund’s potential to drive youth empowerment and regional unity.
For Awani, the fund is more than an economic tool—it is a bridge connecting young African creators to opportunities that were previously out of reach.
By giving young filmmakers access to resources, training, and distribution networks, the Africa Film Fund aims to inspire a new generation of storytellers who can compete on the global stage.
Awani’s vision for the fund is not just about boosting African cinema but about creating a unified creative force across the continent.
The international community has taken notice of this ambitious initiative, with Hollywood veterans lending their voices to the conversation.
Oscar-winning actress and JVL Media co-founder Viola Davis expressed her excitement about the fund’s launch.
“This Fund is an invitation to the world to see Africa through the lens of its own creators—bold, unfiltered, and rich in truth. I am proud to be a part of this momentous step toward a more inclusive global film industry,” Davis declared.
Her words captured the global significance of the initiative, positioning Africa as a source of authentic, world-class storytelling.
Boris Kodjoe, actor and managing partner at FC Media Group, echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the fund.
“I am grateful and excited to partner with our friends at Afreximbank and FEDA in order to support quality content development and creation in Africa and beyond,” Kodjoe stated.
His comments emphasized the importance of partnerships in realizing the fund’s vision. With such high-profile endorsements and a clear commitment from African financial leaders, the Africa Film Fund is poised to transform the continent’s creative industry.
For African filmmakers, the spotlight is finally here, and the world is ready to watch.
