Republic of Benin and KAP Sign Strategic MOU to Shape the Future of Pan-African Audiovisual Storytelling

The Republic of Benin and Kunle Afolayan Production have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance Pan-African audiovisual storytelling through cross-border collaboration, capacity building, and industry development across Africa.

Through this agreement, both parties commit to long-term cooperation. More importantly, they aim to bridge Anglophone and Francophone markets while expanding opportunities for African creatives.

This partnership strengthens Pan-African audiovisual storytelling by connecting Anglophone and Francophone creative markets.

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Advancing Pan-African Audiovisual Storytelling Through Partnership

This partnership focuses on collaboration, not competition. It recognises that film has no borders and that African stories travel best when creators work together. As a result, the MOU prioritises cross-border cooperation between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

In addition, the partnership supports co-production, skills exchange, and shared access to creative resources. These efforts will help grow a more connected and resilient African audiovisual industry.

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Strong Public and Industry Leadership

Senior representatives from Benin Republic attended the MOU signing. These included Sinatou SAKA, Special Adviser to the President for Media and Audiovisual Affairs, and Coline-Lee Toumson-Venite, Special Adviser for Arts and Culture. Also present were Bassirou Ndiaye, CEO of SOPA S.A, and Faissol Gnonlonfin, Director of Cinema and Performing Arts at ADAC, representing the Minister of Culture.

From Nigeria, the delegation included Kunle Afolayan, alongside Seun Soyinka, architect Theo Lawson, veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani, and film scholar Professor Tunji Azeez. Together, they represented creative, academic, and technical leadership.

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Capacity Building for Pan-African Audiovisual Storytelling

At the heart of the MOU is capacity building. The partnership will train young creatives and provide practical industry exposure. It will also support mentorship and professional exchange across borders.

Through shared training and production frameworks, Pan-African audiovisual storytelling becomes more accessible to young African creatives.

Furthermore, the collaboration includes plans to develop multi-purpose creative infrastructure. These spaces will support production, training, and cultural exchange. In doing so, the partnership aims to empower youth and strengthen the creative economy.

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A Shared Vision for Pan-African Audiovisual Storytelling

KAP’s work has consistently promoted Pan-African storytelling. Films such as Citation, shot in Cape Verde, reflect this commitment to cross-cultural collaboration. This partnership builds on that foundation.

According to Coline-Lee Toumson-Venite, the long-term vision is a West African creative corridor. This corridor would connect Nigeria and Benin Republic through sustained transborder cooperation. Ultimately, the MOU marks an important step toward a more unified and globally competitive African audiovisual ecosystem.

This partnership builds on KAP’s wider commitment to film, education, and hospitality through initiatives such as KAP Film Village & Resort and the KAP Film & Television Academy.

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