Afreximbank Plans $1 Billion Fund for African Film Industry

At the 2026 Creative Africa Nexus Summit in Lagos, Kanayo Awani, the Executive Vice President of Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, announced the bank's target to raise $1 billion for a Pan-African film fund. This initiative is part of the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), which has entered a co-general partnership with One Street Studios.

Awani emphasized that the investments aim to strengthen Africa's creative economy and position the continent as a global hub for production and distribution. The bank's strategy addresses challenges such as inadequate financing and weak distribution networks.

Awani noted that the fund would finance African content, enhance distribution networks, and develop necessary infrastructure. Additionally, Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, represented by actress Joke Silva, called for stronger protection of African creative works and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure sustainable livelihoods for creators.