Kunle Afolayan Signs Landmark Film Partnership with the Republic of Benin
Photo Credit: KAP GROUP
Renowned Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has signed a new creative partnership between his company, Kunle Afolayan Production, and the government of Republic of Benin to strengthen film production, youth training and creative infrastructure across West Africa.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the KAP Hub in Lagos after high-level engagements initiated by the Beninese Presidency.
What the partnership is about
According to both parties, the agreement is designed to boost African storytelling and position Benin as a fast-growing audio-visual production hub on the continent.
Before the signing, Kunle Afolayan and his team visited Cotonou to meet with senior government officials and creative industry stakeholders.
Those discussions focused on improving local content creation, building technical skills for filmmakers and creating sustainable structures for film and creative businesses.
How young people and creatives can benefit
The partnership will focus on three major areas that directly affect upcoming filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs:
Film co-production to promote African stories and reach global audiences
Structured youth training in directing, cinematography, production, editing and other creative skills
Development of a film city in Ouidah, which is expected to create jobs and new learning opportunities
The Benin delegation will also tour Kunle Afolayan’s production facilities in Lagos and the KAP Film Village & Resort in Oyo State.
“A defining moment for African cinema, where visionary leadership, cultural authenticity and creative enterprise come together to project our stories, our people and our creative strength to the world.”- Afolayan
A shared vision for African cinema
Benin’s Special Adviser for Media and Audiovisual Affairs, Sinatou Saka, also said the country is especially excited about working with Kunle Afolayan on capacity building for young creatives.
This partnership shows that African governments and private creative companies can work together to build real opportunities for youths. For young Nigerians and West Africans interested in film, storytelling and media, this agreement opens new doors for training, collaboration and global exposure.
