Aug 14, 2025
Over the past two decades, the relationship between African cinema and the USA entertainment industry has deepened through a dynamic, reciprocal exchange. This connection is increasingly evident not only in the presence of African talent in Hollywood, but also in the inclusion of African themes, aesthetics, locations, and storytelling in major productions. At the same time, USA-based platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are investing in the co-production and global distribution of African content.
African Territory on the Global Screen
So far in 2025, ten productions featuring strong African participation have premiered, with four more currently in development. A standout is the South African adaptation of the USA sitcom Superstore (2015), produced in Johannesburg and distributed via Showmax and broadcast TV. From Nigeria, drama series such as Lagos Love Stories and Alex From Oil & Gas (2025), created by prominent Nollywood showrunner Uche Ikejimba through her production company Blink Africa (also behind Big Brother Naija), are also available via Showmax.
In animation, the second season of Iyanu: Child of Wonder (2025) is currently in production. This fantasy series, rooted in Yoruba mythology and directed by Roye Okupe, is available globally on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and HBO Max. Additionally, three successful South African thrillers returned in 2025 with new seasons: Fatal Seduction (2023–2025), Kings of Jo'burg (2020–2025), and Unseen (2023–2025). All are produced and filmed in Africa, with strong local cultural identity, and distributed internationally via Netflix.
Africa now hosts 627 active streaming services, with Nigeria’s Nollywood leading the continent’s film output—producing approximately 2,500 films annually, making it the second-largest film industry in the world by volume.
African Talent on the Rise in the USA
African actors are not only gaining in number but also in prominence within the USA industry. Today, their roles are often central, with narrative and political significance.
Key figures include Lupita Nyong’o (the first Kenyan actress to win an Oscar), John Boyega, Thuso Mbedu (the first South African actress to lead a US series), and Chiwetel Ejiofor—all of whom have starred in major franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, and The Underground Railroad. Nigerian actor and producer Femi Adebayo, recently recognized for Jagun Jagun (2023), exemplifies how African productions are gaining international acclaim.
Charlize Theron, known for The Old Guard 2 (2025) and Fast X (2023), is among the world’s highest-paid actresses and the first South African to win an Oscar. Djimon Hounsou, the Beninese actor and activist, has starred in both Marvel and DC franchises, as well as in identity-rich roles such as in Gladiator II (2024). These talents often bridge commercial cinema with African cultural narratives and act as producers to amplify Africa’s voice in mainstream entertainment.
Africa as a Strategic Filming and Production Hub
Africa has transitioned from being a backdrop for foreign productions to becoming a strategic location for international filming and co-productions—particularly in its relationship with Hollywood. This shift is driven by technical capabilities, economic incentives, and cultural richness.
It serves as a major international production base, offering geographical diversity, cost-effective infrastructure, tax incentives, and internationally experienced local crews. High-profile productions like G20 (2025) and Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) have leveraged African locations and local technical teams for global projects.
Co-Productions and Global Storytelling
USA and European co-productions with African countries have elevated local stories to a global stage. Notable examples include The Woman King (2022), a historical epic set in the powerful Kingdom of Dahomey which is distributed on the most competitive platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video and Hulu; and Seven Doors (2024), a Yoruba mythology-inspired tale set in 18th-century Ilara, Nigeria, which can be found primarily on Netflix and soon, on Circuits.tv.
Animation is also driving visibility. Disney’s production and distribution Iwájú (2024), co-produced with UK-Nigerian studio Kugali Media and set in Lagos, Nigeria, and Iyanu: Child of Wonder (2025), distributed on HBO Max, illustrate how African mythologies are gaining global relevance.
Through this growing collaboration, Africa has become both a cultural and logistical partner for major studios—while strengthening its own internal audiovisual industry.
African Creators Shaping Global Narratives
Another key development is African authorship in global productions. Directors like Wanuri Kahiu (Kenya) and Mati Diop (Senegal/France) are reshaping perceptions of Africa through innovative stories and aesthetics, as seen in Rafiki (2018) and Atlantique (2009).
Akin Omotoso (Nigeria/South Africa), director of Rise (2022) for Disney+, is among the few African directors to work with the studio. Rise tells the real-life story of the Nigerian family of NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, weaving together migration, racism, and sport. These works mark a shift in how African culture is represented—no longer from an external, exoticized gaze, but as a subject with agency and authenticity.
From local content distribution to global co-productions, from emerging talent to globally recognized stars, Africa’s presence in the international entertainment landscape is not only expanding—it's reshaping the industry. The examples above show how global entertainment giants are increasingly embracing stories from the Global South, proving that meaningful collaboration doesn’t require sacrificing local perspectives or narrative integrity. On the contrary, this shift enriches the industry with greater representation, cultural diversity, and creative innovation.
