Stakeholders in the film industry are set to catalyse the growth of a $20 billion Pan-African film economy for 1.4 billion people at the Africa Film Finance Forum (AFFF) in Lagos.
The AFFF, which is scheduled to hold from September 16–18, 2025, will have stakeholders, including, filmmakers, investors, policymakers, financiers, distributors, and tech innovators, also forge a path to transform Africa’s rich storytelling heritage into a globally competitive industry by convening
The Convener of AFFF, Mary Ephraim-Egbas, said under the theme: “Pan-African Film Economy: Building a $20 billion Industry for 1.4 billion People,” the forum will create actionable strategies to connect creative talent with financial systems, policy frameworks, and technological innovation, while driving economic impact across the continent. She said African storytelling is a cultural cornerstone, with its economic potential remaining untapped.
“This forum will bridge creativity and capital, ensuring African stories fuel wealth creation and global influence while preserving our heritage,” she said.
Ephraim-Egbas said during the forum, 1,000 emerging Nigerian and African creative talents will gain access to rigorous, targeted training modules, structured mentorship engagements, and unparalleled networking opportunities within the film investment sectors.
According to her, the training is sponsored by the NNPC Foundation through the Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP), in collaboration with AFFF.
Ephraim-Egbas stated that the AFFF will also feature key initiatives including, investor’s room and deal table, certified finance training for banks and investors as well as policy roundtables to engage government leaders on aligning film with national development strategies and GDP growth.
Other features include, cinetour session aimed at promoting Africa’s film locations to drive tourism and investment as well as filmtech track session to showcase technologies that enhance production, distribution, and transparency.
Commenting on the forum, the Co-Chair of the AFFF PR and Strategic Communications Committee, Bolaji Abimbola, emphasised that film is more than art, as it is an economic infrastructure.
According to him, AFFF is building systems to create jobs, boost exports, and position Africa as a global content powerhouse.” Fellow Co-Chair, Clarina De Freitas, added, “This is the moment for Africa’s stories to shape the global market. With the right financing and platforms, our narratives can drive prosperity and ownership for Africans.”
