The Director of Programmes, British Council Nigeria, Chikodi Onyemerela, has emphasised the impact of long-term, skills-based development initiatives:
Speaking at the just-concluded Africa Social Impact Summit 2025, hosted by the British Council’s Film Lab Africa, in partnership with Sterling One Foundation, Onyemerela said: “Creative industries are economic drivers, not side projects. Film Lab Africa is helping young Africans move from talent to trade, placing their work on global stages while strengthening local creative ecosystems.”
Earlier in a keynote address, the Country Director, British Council Nigeria, and West Africa Cluster Lead, Donna McGowan, shared insights on the infrastructure, investment and collaboration required to build a sustainable creative economy, saying: “It’s not just about discovering talent; it’s about creating lasting systems that nurture and scale it. By investing in people, policy, and platforms, we can build an Africa where creative expression becomes a thriving industry.”
In her speech, the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Mrs Olapeju Ibekwe, praised the British Council’s commitment to supporting storytellers and called for even deeper integration of the creative economy into Africa’s broader development strategies:
“The creative sector is Africa’s next growth frontier. ASIS is committed to building platforms that elevate these voices. Film Lab Africa is not just producing stories; it’s shaping the future of Africa’s social impact landscape.”
According to the statement issued on Saturday, the high-impact side event brought together change makers from multiple sectors to showcase how film and television can serve as powerful tools for economic transformation, cultural preservation, and elevating Africa’s voice on the global stage.
Film Lab Africa, a flagship programme by the British Council, is designed to equip emerging Nigerian filmmakers and television producers with the skills, knowledge, and networks they need to thrive.
The initiative seeks to strengthen Africa’s creative economy through inclusive platforms that spotlight African stories for local and international audiences.
The plenary session on promoting African entertainment for economic transformation featured thought leaders to explore how the industry can drive job creation, shape culture, and inspire inclusive growth.
More than a showcase of talent, the Film Lab Africa screening at ASIS proved that creativity isn’t just culture; it’s a catalyst for Africa’s development.
GIK/APA