In a significant move poised to revolutionise Nigeria’s burgeoning audiovisual sector, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced its inaugural investment in Filmmakers Mart (FMM), Africa’s pioneering integrated digital production platform.
According to a statement seen by Nigerian Entertainment Today, this landmark investment is part of a strategic commitment to bolstering Africa’s creative economy, with a particular focus on enhancing access to production services and fostering growth within the continent’s vibrant film and entertainment industry.
Filmmakers Mart (FMM) stands at the forefront of innovation in Africa’s creative landscape. As the continent’s first integrated digital production platform, FMM addresses critical infrastructure gaps by seamlessly connecting creatives to essential production services.
This includes everything from meticulous location scouting and efficient logistics coordination to catering services and the often-complex acquisition of permits. Traditionally, sourcing these services has been a fragmented and time-consuming endeavour for filmmakers across Africa. FMM, however, replaces this disjointed process with a centralised, cost-effective, and time-saving model.
The platform leverages cutting-edge AI-powered tools and automated workflows to not only enhance service quality but also ensure reliable access to vetted providers and prime filming locations. This innovative approach is designed to streamline production processes, making it easier and more efficient for both local and international productions to operate within the continent.
Currently, FMM operates in key African markets, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Morocco, and South Africa, demonstrating its regional reach and impact. Its comprehensive suite of services aims to empower filmmakers by providing the necessary tools and infrastructure to bring their creative visions to life, thereby significantly contributing to the professionalisation and growth of the African audiovisual industry.
IFC’s investment in Filmmakers Mart is set to propel the platform into its next phase of growth and impact. The capital injection will primarily support FMM’s expansion beyond its current operational markets into new territories across Africa. This geographical broadening will enable more filmmakers and creative professionals to access FMM’s invaluable services, thereby democratizing access to high-quality production resources across the continent.
Beyond geographical expansion, the investment will also fund the development of new platform features. These include the introduction of subscription models, advanced post-production tools, and comprehensive training programs. These enhancements are specifically designed to cater to the evolving needs of a rapidly growing community of creators, equipping them with the skills and resources necessary to compete on a global stage.
By providing these tools and training, FMM, with IFC’s backing, aims to foster a more skilled and technologically adept workforce within the African creative economy
This partnership is a direct response to the persistent challenges faced by creative professionals in Africa, particularly in overcoming market access barriers. By strengthening the continent’s creative economy, the investment is expected to generate significant socio-economic benefits.
It aligns with IFC’s broader objectives of creating jobs, fostering inclusion, and supporting digital innovation across Africa, with a particular emphasis on empowering women, young people, and underrepresented groups to earn sustainable incomes and build thriving businesses within the digital creative economy.
The significance of this collaboration is best articulated by the leaders driving it. Eric Kafui Okyerefo, CEO of Filmmakers Mart, emphasized the foundational vision behind FMM and the validation brought by its new partners.
“We’re building the operating system for the creative industries in emerging markets; an ecosystem of interconnected tools and services designed to eliminate friction, unlock collaboration, and scale access to opportunities for creatives and entertainment businesses,” said Eric Kafui Okyerefo, CEO, Filmmakers Mart. “Having IFC and Sony Ventures as strategic partners strongly validates this vision. Their support enables us to deepen our impact, expand globally, and continue solving the structural challenges faced by storytellers and producers in these markets”
Antonio Avitabile, Managing Director of Sony Ventures, EMEA, highlighted FMM’s innovative approach to addressing infrastructure gaps.
“At Sony Innovation Fund, we are committed to supporting technologies and platforms that empower creators and drive its growth,” said Antonio Avitabile, Managing Director, Sony Ventures, EMEA. “Filmmakers Mart is addressing real infrastructure gaps in Africa’s production ecosystem with a smart, scalable solution. We’re proud to partner with IFC on this investment, and excited to help FMM unlock new opportunities for the region’s vibrant creative community”
Dahlia Khalifa, IFC Regional Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, emphasised the crucial need for investment and platforms to foster African talent.
“Africa’s film and entertainment sector is brimming with talent, but talent alone is not enough. It needs the right tools, platforms, and investment to thrive,” Our partnership with Sony to support Filmmakers Mart reflects IFC’s commitment to harnessing technology and innovation to support Africa’s creative industries and help scale opportunities for the next generation of storytellers across the continent”
These statements collectively paint a picture of a partnership built on mutual understanding of the challenges and immense potential within Africa’s creative industries.
This investment marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s audiovisual sector, as it represents IFC’s first direct foray into this dynamic industry within the country. The co-investment with Sony Innovation Fund Africa further amplifies the potential impact, bringing not only financial backing but also invaluable global network access and industry expertise in content distribution to FMM
When Netng reached out to Filmmakers Mart, the spokesperson declined to provide more information beyond the press statement shared. The collaboration between IFC, Sony Innovation Fund Africa, and Filmmakers Mart is a powerful testament to the growing recognition of Africa’s creative economy as a significant driver of economic growth and social development.
