$4.5 billion creative partnership for Africa’s future

The recent $4.5 billion joint venture between Nigeria’s Del-York Group and Singapore’s TSC Global, with the support of the Lagos State government, marks a significant moment in the continent’s creative landscape.

The partnership will see the development of Lagos Film City (also known as Kebulania), which had its groundbreaking ceremony last year. Kebulania promises to revolutionise African filmmaking and is much more than an investment, it’s a blueprint for Africa’s creative future.

Considered the largest investment on the continent yet, the $4.5 billion partnership highlights the importance of public-private collaboration in unlocking Africa’s untapped creative potential.

For decades, the African film industry has operated without the world-class infrastructure needed to compete on the global stage.

The fragmented nature of the industry, especially in countries like Nigeria, has often resulted in isolated efforts, unable to maximise the region’s talent and storytelling capabilities. Kebulania, envisioned as a self-sustaining creative ecosystem, aims to bridge this gap.

Del-York and TSC Global, with the backing of the Lagos State government, are building an integrated city that will foster the development of film, music, live events, and others.

This ecosystem, powered by advanced technology, is expected to create millions of job opportunities and generate billions in economic output, positioning Africa as a global creative powerhouse.

Kebulania will feature a 50,000-square-meter hyperscale data centre and a one Gigawat (1GW) sustainable gas-fired power generation system, designed to support AI-driven productions and reduce costs. For the first time, African filmmakers will have access to facilities that match the infrastructure found in Hollywood. But this partnership goes beyond just film production. It aims to reshape Africa’s creative economy by creating a platform that addresses the critical challenges the industry faces such as inadequate infrastructure, training, and financing.

CEO, TSC Global, Michael Dickerson, said: “Kebulania is designed to be the epicentre of Africa’s creative economy. The project will generate over 10,000 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect employment opportunities while contributing more than $3.5 billion yearly to the local economy. It will also spur growth in ancillary industries such as tourism, hospitality, and retail. However, Kebulania’s impact will be felt most profoundly in the upskilling of Africa’s talent pool. With 50,000 training positions on offer, it will create a new generation of African creatives ready to compete on the global stage.”

As President and CEO of Del-York Group, Linus Idahosa, puts it; “Kebulania is more than just a film city; it’s a blueprint for Africa’s creative and industrial future. By merging cutting-edge technology, sustainable energy, and cultural innovation, this project highlights the immense potential of the creative industry as a driver of growth and foreign investment.”

Positioned in Epe, a region steeped in history, Kebulania will not only offer world-class facilities but also provide a platform for Africa’s diverse voices to reach global audiences. The collaboration will bring Africa’s rich storytelling traditions to the forefront while empowering African creatives to produce content that reflects the continent’s unique cultural heritage.

The Lagos State government will provide the regulatory framework and infrastructural support, the government ensures that the project remains sustainable and impactful in the long term.

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, acknowledges the broader vision, saying: “It will be an opportunity for the large creative minds of African descent in Lagos State, Nigeria, to be able to tell the African and Nigerian story.”