The Africa Film Finance Forum (AFFF) 2025 has begun in Lagos with a mission to transform African storytelling into a $20 billion industry.
The event, which runs from September 16 to 18, brings together filmmakers, investors, policymakers, distributors and tech innovators to explore strategies that will connect creative talent with finance, policy and technology.
This year’s theme is Pan-African Film Economy: Building a $20B Industry for 1.4 Billion People.
Convener of AFFF Mary Ephraim-Egbas said, “African storytelling is a cultural cornerstone, but its economic potential remains untapped. This forum will bridge creativity and capital, ensuring African stories fuel wealth creation and global influence while preserving our heritage.”
The programme will also see 1,000 young creative talents from Nigeria and across Africa benefit from training, mentorship and networking opportunities. The NNPC Foundation sponsors the initiative through the Youth Empowerment Programme in collaboration with AFFF.
Key activities include the Investor’s Room and Deal Table, certified finance training for banks and investors, and policy roundtables to align film with national development strategies. There will also be a Cinetour session to promote film locations across Africa and a FilmTech track to showcase technologies that improve production and distribution.
Co-Chair of AFFF’s PR and Strategic Communications Committee Bolaji Abimbola said, “Film is more than art-it’s economic infrastructure. AFFF is building systems to create jobs, boost exports, and position Africa as a global content powerhouse.”
Another 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.”
