The Africa Film Finance Forum (AFFF), founded by Mary Ephraim-Egbas, has partnered with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) Foundation to empower 1,000 emerging Nigerian and African creative talents through the Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) for creatives.
According to a statement on Thursday, the initiative will be launched during the AFFF 2025 conference scheduled to hold in Lagos from September 16 to 18.
“Through this collaboration, the NNPC Foundation will underwrite the participation of 1,000 nascent creatives in the comprehensive three-day Film Finance Summit and Market,” the statement reads.
“Beneficiaries will gain access to rigorous, targeted training modules, structured mentorship engagements, and unparalleled networking opportunities within the film investment sectors.
“The program is meticulously designed to facilitate the cultivation of sustainable professional trajectories within Africa’s expanding creative economy.”
AFFF noted that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to youth capacity-building, educational advancement and innovation in Africa’s film and media industries.
Emmanuella Arukwe, managing director of the NNPC Foundation, said the interventions align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly quality education and youth empowerment.
“We are convinced that by equipping young people with knowledge, skills, and opportunities today, we secure a future that is resilient, innovative, and inclusive for the next generation. The YEP initiative embodies this vision-providing emerging creatives with the training, mentorship, and industry access they need to transform talent into tangible livelihoods,” she said.
Ephraim-Egbas also praised the NNPC Foundation for its leadership and commitment to youth empowerment and the growth of Africa’s creative industries.
“This partnership represents a significant investment in the continent’s cultural capital and the future of African storytelling. The film industry is one of the most viable and accessible entry points into the formal economy for African youth-especially those who are unskilled or under-skilled,” she said.
She added that AFFF is proud to collaborate with the NNPC Foundation to help young creatives turn their talent into sustainable livelihoods.
