The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has launched a Sh129 billion ($1 billion) Africa Film Fund aimed at elevating the continent’s film and television production to global standards.

The fund, channelled through Afreximbank’s impact investment arm, the Fund for Export-Development in Africa (FEDA), seeks to amplify Africa’s cultural footprint worldwide by supporting the creation and distribution of high-quality content.

At the heart of the initiative is Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme, designed to address persistent industry challenges such as funding gaps, scaling difficulties, and limited access to international markets.

Professor Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank and Chairman of both Afreximbank’s and FEDA’s Boards of Directors, explained the bank’s commitment.

“Film is a cornerstone of the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme and 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.

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The fund intends to attract critical long-term investment—often referred to as ‘patient capital’—into the continent’s film and TV sector.

This financial boost is expected to empower African filmmakers and storytellers to craft world-class productions with global resonance.

Oramah further underscored this vision, saying: “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, thereby catalysing the creative industry and unleashing the creative industry’s potential to drive economic growth across Africa.”

Adding to this, Marlene Ngoyi, Chief Executive Officer of FEDA, emphasised the broader impact of the initiative

"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 catalyses economic transformation," Ngoyi stated.

"At FEDA, we are committed to ensuring this initiative delivers tangible impact with long-term and sustainable benefits."

Recent data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics indicates that Africa’s film and audiovisual industry generates approximately Sh645 billion ($5 billion) annually and employs over five million people across the continent.

Yet, despite this promising footprint, the sector continues to grapple with limited access to production facilities, a shortage of advanced post-production resources, inadequate exhibition infrastructure, and restricted access to digital platforms.

With the launch of the Africa Film Fund, Afreximbank hopes to bridge these gaps and unlock the creative potential of a sector that not only shapes cultural narratives but also promises substantial economic returns for Africa.