As African countries look beyond traditional industries to grow their economies, governments and private institutions are increasingly turning to the creative sector as a source of jobs, cultural influence and cross-border collaboration.

That ambition is at the heart of a new partnership between KAP Film & Television Academy and the Republic of Benin’s Société de Productions Audiovisuelles (SOPA), which has launched a fully sponsored filmmaking bootcamp designed to equip young creatives with the skills needed to thrive in Africa’s fast-growing film industry.

The KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp, unveiled on Monday in Cotonou, will provide intensive training for 20 young creatives from the Republic of Benin, combining classroom instruction with hands-on production experience under established filmmakers.

The initiative is the first major outcome of a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year between KAP Film & Television Academy and SOPA, the Beninese government agency responsible for developing the country’s audiovisual and creative industries.

The programme comes at a time when Africa’s film and television industry is attracting growing global attention, with streaming platforms, international studios and investors showing increasing interest in stories produced on the continent. While countries such as Nigeria have built thriving film industries over the years, many others are now investing in training and infrastructure to develop their own creative ecosystems and create new opportunities for young people.

Also Read: Floods may worsen by September as NiHSA warns of growing health risks

Speaking at the launch, KAP Film & Television Academy founder Kunle Afolayan said the initiative is designed to help young Africans tell authentic stories while developing the practical skills required to compete internationally.

“Africa is rich in talent and stories. Our responsibility is to create opportunities for young creatives to own the narrative, collaborate across borders and tell authentic stories that the world cannot ignore. This programme is an investment in the future of African storytelling,” he said.

The 12-week programme, themed Owning the Narrative, will begin with four weeks of foundational training in the Republic of Benin before participants travel to Lagos for a week of industry immersion at the academy. They will then complete a seven-week residency at the KAP Film Village and Resort, where they will work alongside experienced filmmakers on live productions.

For SOPA, the collaboration supports the Beninese government’s broader efforts to position the creative economy as a driver of youth employment, economic diversification and cultural development.

Managing Director of SOPA, Abedje Sinatou, said the partnership would help equip young people with industry-relevant skills while strengthening the country’s capacity in cinema and audiovisual production.

“Through this collaboration, we are laying the foundation for a stronger creative industry capable of competing confidently on the international stage,” Sinatou said.

Director of KAP Film & Television Academy, Seun Soyinka, described the inaugural participants as pioneers of what could become a lasting platform for creative collaboration across Africa, encouraging them to embrace the opportunity and contribute to shaping how the continent tells its stories.

Beyond technical training, organisers said the initiative is expected to deepen collaboration between African creatives, encourage cultural exchange and support the development of a new generation of filmmakers capable of producing stories that resonate both at home and abroad.

As African governments seek new sources of economic growth, partnerships such as this reflect a growing recognition that the continent’s creative industries can generate not only cultural influence but also employment, skills development and export opportunities.

Meiza Nigeria