Welcome to this post about the Fastest Growing Movie industries in Africa, via Afrokonnect. Over the last few years, Africa has exported various talented actors and actresses abroad. It has also gotten so far to the extent that African films are now appearing on the big screens in European countries and have received numerous nominations, such as the Oscars. In this article, we will embark on a journey into the heart of the African movie industry and explore why it is a world where the magic of storytelling knows no bounds.
Significance of the African Movie Industry
1. Economic Contribution: The African movie industry, according to the World Bank, contributes billions to the continent’s economy annually. For example, Nollywood (Nigeria) contributes over $7 billion annually to the country’s economy.
2. Employment Opportunities: The African movie industry alone is responsible for the provision of jobs for millions of people across the continent, with Nigeria and South Africa leading the charge
3. Social Impact: African films have been used as powerful tools to address various social issues such as poverty, gender inequality, and corruption. An example of such a film is Lionheart by Genevieve Nnaji, which addresses the issue of gender discrimination in the workplace.
4. Global Influence: The African movie industry is growing at an enormous pace and has started gaining a global audience through digital platforms and streaming services. According to a report by PwC, Africa’s movie industry is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.5%, which is higher than the global average.
Impact of Technology on the African Movie Industry
1. Distribution Platforms: These platforms have provided African filmmakers with a global platform to showcase their work. For example, Netflix reported over 6.8 million subscribers in Africa in 2021, hence providing a larger audience for African movies.
2. Piracy and Copyright Issues: Despite the growth of the African movie industry through the use of legitimate distribution channels, piracy remains a major issue. According to the African Union (AU), piracy costs the continent’s creative industry over $3 billion annually.
3. Collaborations: Technology has facilitated greater collaboration between African filmmakers and international partners. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), collaborations between African countries and international partners have increased by over 60% in recent years. This has led to the creation of culturally diversified movies.
Trends in the African Movie Industry
1. Rise of Streaming Services: Streaming platforms have diversified the way African films are distributed and consumed. According to Statista, the number of subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) users is expected to reach 24 million by 2025. This will present an opportunity for African filmmakers to reach a global audience.
2. Genre Diversification: African filmmakers have started exploring various genres such as horror, science, love, and fantasy instead of the traditional drama they often produce. Examples are The Delivery Boy (Nigeria) and Rafiki (Kenya).
3. International Collaborations: According to the African Audiovisual and Cinema Commission (AACC), collaboration between African and European movie producers accounted for 64% of total co-productions in 2020. This shows the rapid inclusion of African movies into the global film industry.
Top 10 Fastest Growing Movie Industries in Africa
10. Namibia:
Namibia is a small country with about 2.6 million people. The filmmakers of Namibia have contributed immensely to the growth of the industry in Africa with the quality films and content they produce year in and year out. Some of the best movies in the Namibian film industry are The White Line (2019), etc. This movie competed with other heavyweight movies at the 2022 Oscars.
9. Mozambique:
Mozambican cinema has produced more than 500 films, with a focus on documentaries. The movie industry in Mozambique has made a name for itself through the creation of a unique post-colonial vision of Africa. The industry has now experienced a rebirth, and Netflix has recently acquired its first Mozambique film, titled Redemption. The film won the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA Awards) for Best Screenplay and Best Production Design.
8. Egypt:
The movie industry in Egypt has evolved since the 1990s. Movies such as Sahr el Layali (Sleepless Nights) in 2003 and Imarat Yacoubian (The Yacoubian Building) in 2006 have contributed to elevating the film industry in the country. Presently, Egyptian films have earned around $50 million, according to box office records.
7. Tanzania:
The Tanzanian film industry, also known as Swahilihood or Bogo Films, was established in 2001. The Tanzanian film industry was produced regularly, but in 2011, the industry grew, and Netflix acquired its first Tanzanian film, Binti.
6. Ghana:
The Ghana film industry, widely known as Ghollywood, seems to have dropped the ball in recent years. However, regardless of the various setbacks, the industry has continued to endure and still managed to put out some successful films.
5. Cameroon:
It is sometimes known as Collywood. The movie industry has grown enormously and has upscaled to digital platforms like Amazon and Netflix. The Cameroon movie industry, with its recent successes, has become a force to be reckoned with on the African continent.
4. Uganda:
The Ugandan movie industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in Africa. It is commonly referred to as Ugawood or Kinauganda. The growth of the industry is commonly associated with the production of Feeling Struggle, the first Ugawood movie.
3. Kenya:
The Kenyan film industry is relatively small compared to that of other countries, however, it strength comes in quality of content they produce and funding. The film industry in Kenya take funding and the quality of content they produces very serious and that is why they are highly. One of Kenya’s greatest movies is Rafiki and Men Against the Sun.
2. South Africa:
The South African movie industry is one of the best in Africa and in the world. It is popular in the sense of sci-fi movies that uniquely tell the African story. The innovative use of technology in their movies also aids them in promoting the industry at the top of the list. The industry continues to advance its approach, which makes it a force to be reckoned with on the continent.
1. Nigeria:
The Nigerian movie industry, which is also known as Nollywood, is undoubtedly the biggest in Africa. Since its inception, Nollywood has used several new technologies to improve its storytelling. Although Nollywood is divided among the country’s main ethnic groups: Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa, new releases like King of Boys are now casting actors from all tribes, transforming the Nigerian movie industry.
Conclusion about Fastest Growing Movie industries in Africa
The African movie industry stands at a crucial moment in its history, characterized by various changes in technology, globalization, and creative expression. As supporters of African movies, let us endeavor to look forward with optimism as the African movie industry continues to inspire, entertain, and transform lives through its movies. Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you again on Afrokonnect.ng.
