African Film Fund Launches With $50 Million

EbonyLife Group and Logical African Partners have established a $50 million financing vehicle for African cinema. The new entity, named the Afro Film Fund, formalized its partnership on Tuesday in Paris. The money is earmarked for structured financing of film projects across the continent.

The initiative targets approximately 35 productions over the next eight years. This pace translates to four to nine projects supported annually. The partners describe the intended slate as commercially viable, culturally relevant, and internationally competitive. The strategy aims to serve audiences in Africa and the global diaspora while positioning selected titles for wider international distribution.

The first disbursements from the fund are scheduled for late first quarter or early second quarter of 2027. Mo Abudu, founder and CEO of EbonyLife Group, stated that the fund addresses a critical need for structured financing. She noted the initiative will help take African cinema to even greater heights. Pape Boye, Vice President of Logical African Partners, described the launch as a new chapter for the industry.

Abudu also signed a separate agreement with the French National Centre for Cinema and the Image, known as the CNC. This deal supports the Audiovisual Next Gen program, an 18-month accelerator for mentorship. The program is open to 15 professionals under the age of 35 from across the creative industries. Abudu will serve as the Global Ambassador for this initiative.

The Audiovisual Next Gen program is organized by the CNC and backed by EbonyLife, Netflix, the RTL Group, and Mediawan. The first cohort of participants, comprised entirely of women, is expected to be announced at the end of January 2027. Abudu said these two partnerships reflect a commitment to building a stronger and more sustainable African creative industry.

The program was originally announced in September at the Lumière Summit. French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard attended the Paris signing ceremony. She referenced the summit as proof that new alliances can be built. She stated that these alliances are necessary to respond to the transformation of screen industries. Pégard added that the agreements represent a concrete response to current challenges.

Abudu is a London-born entrepreneur whose company spans film and television production, cinema exhibition, and digital distribution. Her most recent venture is EbonyLife Place London, a cultural hub in the U.K. capital. Logical Pictures Group, founded in 2016, expanded into the African market in 2024 with the launch of Logical African Partners.

Boye partnered with the French group in 2023 to launch Black Mic Mac, a production banner for African and Middle Eastern talent. The company's slate includes the revenge thriller 3 Cold Dishes, executive produced by Burna Boy. Boye stated the fund represents an important opportunity to unlock the potential of African cinema by bringing together investment and creative talent.