In a bold move to reposition Africa as a powerhouse in the global film and television industry, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has unveiled a game-changing $1 billion Africa Film Fund under its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Programme. The initiative, launched through its investment arm, the Fund for Export-Development in Africa (FEDA), aims to bridge critical funding and infrastructure gaps that have long hindered Africa’s creative potential.

The fund was announced on Wednesday via an official statement on Afreximbank’s Instagram page, outlining a strategic vision to not just finance films but build a robust creative ecosystem that will empower African storytellers, drive economic growth, and elevate the continent’s voice on the global stage.

“This transformative undertaking of up to $1bn is designed to revolutionise Global Africa’s film and creative industry,” the statement read.

The Africa Film Fund will be structured as a private equity vehicle under FEDA, providing long-term capital to support high-quality content creation and global distribution. It marks one of the most significant financial commitments to Africa’s creative economy in recent years.

“Film is a cornerstone of the CANEX programme,” said Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah. “This fund will accelerate the growth of Africa’s creative sector, which continues to thrive despite persistent challenges in funding, scaling, and accessing international markets.”

Beyond production financing, the fund will support broader industry development through partnerships, training, and infrastructure investment. It will also complement existing initiatives like the CANEX Shorts Awards, which celebrate emerging talent across the continent.

Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of FEDA, emphasized the wider cultural and economic impact: “This is about building a thriving ecosystem that empowers Global Africa’s creative talent, fosters cultural exchange, and catalyses economic transformation.”

Hollywood actor and producer Boris Kodjoe, Managing Partner of FC Media Group, welcomed the initiative, calling it a dream come true for African creatives. “It has been a long-term dream of mine to be able to tell stories on a global scale. I am grateful and excited to partner with our friends at Afreximbank and FEDA to support quality content development and creation in Africa and beyond.”

The launch comes amid broader financial mobilization across the continent, with Afreximbank recently raising $19 billion for the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank, also set to be headquartered in Abuja.