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Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
The writer is an actor, musician, producer and entrepreneur
The Nigerian-British writer Sir Ben Okri once said: “The mystery of storytelling is the miracle of a single living seed which can populate whole acres of human minds.” For centuries, an oral tradition has been woven into the fabric of African culture, creating an intricate tapestry of history and identity, and connecting generations in a way that Anansi himself would be proud of. Now, Africa’s film industries hold the potential to reimagine not only the stories but this heritage, in order to captivate global audiences and drive economic growth across the continent.
As an actor, I have always been deeply moved by the power of stories to shape perceptions, inspire change and connect people across cultures. This belief in storytelling’s transformative potential is what drives my commitment to making Africa a global powerhouse in the creative industries.
Africa is rich with cultural heritage, placing it at the forefront of the global creative economy. My own collaborations aim to harness the power of the industry to create jobs but also to redefine Africa’s narrative. This is not just about revealing the continent’s beauty; it’s about leveraging our stories to build a sustainable, thriving creative sector.
Hollywood has long exported the American dream, contributing hundreds of billions of dollars to the US economy and influencing global perceptions of the country. With a much larger and more diverse population, Africa’s untapped potential can achieve similar success through its own film industry. By telling authentic stories across genres — action thrillers, period dramas, urban fantasies and more — we can not only entertain but also reframe perceptions of Africa.
The growing global interest in the continent’s music, art and fashion is a testament to its creative potential. Now, it’s time for the film industry to take centre stage. Just as K-pop and K-cinema have reshaped views of Korea, Africa’s film industry can become a potent tool for economic development and cultural diplomacy.
To unlock this potential, we must foster strong collaboration between filmmakers across borders. Partnerships between African nations can pool resources, share knowledge and create co-productions reflecting the continent’s diverse narratives. Working together, we can overcome shared challenges such as funding and access to quality equipment, ensuring that African stories are told authentically, from multiple perspectives and with production values to compete internationally.
Establishing a pan-African distribution network is crucial. Despite growing demand, infrastructure limitations hinder the industry’s growth. In 2022, there were a total of about 280 movie screens in Nigeria and Ghana, serving a combined population of nearly 252mn. By comparison, France, with 68mn people, opened 115 new screens in 2022 alone.
Technology will play a critical role here. With increasing internet penetration and widespread mobile phone use, digital platforms are an opportunity to distribute films more widely. An African streaming service could be a platform for filmmakers to show their work to audiences across the continent. A distribution platform transcending national boundaries would allow films to reach broader audiences, generating new revenue streams and fostering a sense of unity. The recent launch of the African Audiovisual and Cinema Commission secretariat in Nairobi is a welcome step towards uniting the continent’s creative industries and amplifying African voices.
Additionally, strategic incentives are needed to attract investment from both international studios and local filmmakers. Countries such as Morocco and South Africa have shown the positive impact of offering tax credits and rebates to enhance local production capacities.
I have responded to the calls from those who have laid the groundwork to support these initiatives. I’m grateful to the government of Zanzibar for its generous land allocation to build a studio. We are also in discussions with Tanzania and Ghana, for example, about bringing international filming and productions to the continent and building film studios. Ghana’s National Film Authority, is actively working on introducing tax incentives to support and grow its film industry.
This would be a significant step forward. But if a country is not able to fund traditional rebates, African nations could adopt alternative measures, such as establishing tax-free zones for film production, to create a more conducive environment for the creative industry.
I call on governments, private sector leaders and international partners to join us in building a thriving creative economy in Africa. By investing in the continent’s creative future, we are forging a legacy that will inspire, educate and empower the Africa of tomorrow and the next generation of storytellers. This is our opportunity to not only be seen but to be heard, celebrated and truly understood through the stories we share. As Chinua Achebe once wisely said: until the lion learns how to fight, every story will glorify the hunter.
