The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have partnered with Nigeria’s EbonyLife Media to explore the establishment of a pan-African investment vehicle aimed at scaling the continent’s film industry.
The initiative is designed to increase funding access for productions that highlight original African narratives. EbonyLife Media, one of Africa’s most prominent media companies, has a track record of producing commercially successful films and collaborating with major international studios such as Sony Pictures Television, Westbrook Studios, and 22 Summers.
This effort supports broader strategies by both development institutions to invest in Africa’s creative industries, which are increasingly recognized as key drivers of inclusive economic growth, youth employment, and cultural influence. Despite its economic potential, Africa’s film sector remains largely undercapitalized. UNESCO data shows it currently contributes around $5 billion to GDP and supports five million jobs. However, challenges such as limited financing, weak policy support, and inadequate intellectual property enforcement hinder its expansion.
The proposed investment platform seeks to mobilize both public and private capital into African film projects, while also working with governments to introduce stronger IP protections and production incentives. These efforts aim to address longstanding structural issues, including the significant revenue losses experienced by filmmakers due to piracy.
The collaboration reflects growing momentum around formalizing Africa’s creative economy and building a more sustainable infrastructure for content creation. By facilitating access to capital and establishing a supportive regulatory environment, the initiative hopes to unlock greater international visibility for African storytelling and enable the industry to scale effectively across markets.