Kenya Film Commission pushes for bold investment in Film and Creative sectors
LEAH AUGO-MYGOV
Across Africa, the creative industries are stepping into the spotlight as powerful engines of cultural preservation, economic growth and social cohesion.
From film and television to animation, gaming, and digital content, these sectors are no longer viewed merely as sources of entertainment.
Instead, they are increasingly recognized as vital tools for shaping identity, telling authentic stories, and driving economic transformation. At the heart of this movement is the Kenya Film Commission (KFC), which has been urging African governments to invest strategically in screen and creative industries as a way of unlocking the continent’s immense cultural and economic potential.
Speaking on the theme “Preserving Cultural Heritage Through Screen Storytelling”, KFC Chief Executive Officer Timothy Owase emphasized that Africa’s cultural heritage is among the richest in the world. With thousands of languages, traditions, histories, and artistic expressions, the continent holds a treasure trove of narratives waiting to be shared.
Owase explained that film and digital storytelling serve as modern archives, capturing indigenous knowledge and reimagining history for both local and global audiences.
Unlike oral traditions that risk fading with time, screen content embeds culture into living media that resonates with younger generations and diaspora communities alike. Owase described film not only as a cultural vessel but also as an economic engine.
He pointed out that Africa’s audio-visual industries already employ around five million people and contribute approximately five billion dollars to the continent’s GDP.
According to UNESCO, with supportive policies and investment, the sector could generate over 20 million jobs and contribute up to 20 billion dollars annually.
The numbers, Owase argued, reveal the untapped potential of creative industries as drivers of sustainable growth. Nigeria’s Nollywood, producing around 2,500 films annually, it is the second-largest film industry in the world by output.
Together with music, Nollywood contributed about 1.4 billion dollars to Nigeria’s GDP in 2023, a 27.5 percent increase over three years.
Owase noted that across Africa, film, music, fashion, gaming, and digital content could collectively exceed 10 billion dollars annually, especially as infrastructure and distribution networks improve.
Beyond economics, Owase stressed the social impact of storytelling. Films and series that explore issues such as governance, migration, gender, or conflict spark dialogue and create shared cultural references across diverse communities.
When African stories are told by Africans, societies experience greater self-recognition, dignity, and unity. Digital distribution further strengthens diaspora connections, reinforcing cultural belonging while promoting Africa’s soft power and international influence.
Owase urged African governments to prioritize creative industries, particularly for the continent’s youthful population. Africa’s young people are digitally savvy, creatively inclined, and eager to engage with storytelling and technology.
By investing in these sectors, governments can provide employment pathways aligned with youth skills while also tapping into global demand for authentic African content.
International streaming platforms are increasingly seeking African stories, creating export opportunities that diversify economies beyond extractive industries and agriculture.
To fully unlock this potential, Owase outlined several strategic steps. He called on governments to develop or update national film and creative industry policies, ensuring clear legal frameworks for production, distribution, and monetization.
He emphasized the importance of establishing film commissions in every country to coordinate incentives, protect rights, and drive industry development.
Currently, only 44 percent of African nations have film commissions, and just 55 percent have formal film policies, leaving much of the sector informal and under-supported.
Commenting on modernizing copyright laws and enforcement as a priority, Owase argued that creators must receive fair compensation and retain ownership of their work to ensure sustainability and attract investment.
Public awareness campaigns against piracy, coupled with promotion of legal content consumption, would further strengthen the industry.
He also highlighted the need for investment in skills and infrastructure—film schools, technical institutes, digital media academies, studios, post-production facilities, and reliable internet access are all essential for building a thriving creative ecosystem.