Africa's Media Powerhouse: New Fund Fuels Global Storytelling

Akunna Cook, a former Foreign Service officer, has launched the Next Narrative Africa Fund (NNAF), a $50 million initiative to invest in film and television projects from Africa and its diaspora. This hybrid fund includes a $40 million commercial equity arm and a $10 million nonprofit venture studio, addressing critical structural gaps in development pipelines and creator IP ownership.

NNAF's mission is to support well-developed, globally appealing projects that offer authentic narratives. The fund recently received over 2,000 submissions from 80 countries, highlighting a significant pent-up demand for African storytelling. Cook emphasizes the importance of enabling African creators to retain IP ownership and control their narratives.

The fund actively seeks co-productions and projects with international appeal, prioritizing those with at least half their production on the continent. NNAF also advocates for policy mechanisms to support these industries, engaging with African leaders to foster enabling environments for film and television production across the continent.

Cook's strategic vision is rooted in Africa's demographic power and the growing global demand for non-Western content. By channeling investment and focusing on narrative impact, NNAF aims to reshape how African stories are told and owned globally, positioning the continent as a major player in the future of entertainment.