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FT editor Roula Khalaf selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
The writer is an actor, musician, producer and businessman.
Nigerian-British writer Sir Ben Okri once said, “The mystery of storytelling is the miracle of a single living seed that can populate whole acres of human minds.” For centuries, an oral tradition has been woven into 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 have the potential to reimagine not only the stories but also this legacy, 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 the transformative potential of storytelling is what drives my commitment to making Africa a global powerhouse in the creative industries.
Africa has a rich cultural heritage that puts 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 the narrative of Africa. It’s not just about revealing the beauty of the continent, but about leveraging our stories to build a sustainable and thriving creative sector.
Hollywood has long been exporting 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 is the time for the film industry to take centre stage. Just as K-pop and Korean cinema have transformed the way we view Korea, Africa’s film industry can become a powerful tool for economic development and cultural diplomacy.
To unlock this potential, we must foster strong collaboration between filmmakers from different countries. Partnerships between African nations can pool resources, share expertise and create co-productions that reflect the continent’s diverse narratives. By working together, we can overcome shared challenges, such as funding and access to quality equipment, and ensure that African stories are told authentically, from multiple perspectives and with production values that compete internationally.
Establishing a pan-African distribution network is crucial. Despite growing demand, infrastructure constraints hamper the industry’s growth. In 2022, there were a total of around 280 cinemas in Nigeria and Ghana, serving a combined population of nearly 252 million people. In comparison, France, with 68 million people, opened 115 new theatres in 2022 alone.
Technology will play a key role in this regard. With increasing internet penetration and widespread use of mobile phones, digital platforms are an opportunity to distribute films more widely. An African streaming service could be a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work to audiences across the continent. A distribution platform that transcends national borders would allow films to reach a wider audience, generating new revenue streams and fostering a sense of unity. The recent creation of the African Cinema and Audiovisual Commission secretariat in Nairobi is a positive step towards uniting the continent’s creative industries and amplifying African voices.
In addition, strategic incentives are needed to attract investment from both international studios and local filmmakers. Countries such as Morocco and South Africa have demonstrated the positive impact of offering tax credits and rebates to improve local production capabilities.
I have responded to the calls of those who have laid the groundwork to support these initiatives. I am grateful to the government of Zanzibar for their generous allocation of land to build a studio. We are also in discussions with Tanzania and Ghana, for example, on the possibility of bringing international filming and production to the continent and building film studios. The National Film Authority of Ghana is actively working on introducing tax incentives to support and grow its film industry.
It would be a big step forward, but if a country is unable 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 chance to not just 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 to fight, all stories will glorify the hunter.