Arts and Creative Industries / Creative Industries / Création Africa Forum Lagos: Spotlight on Southern African Talent

Création Africa Forum Lagos: Spotlight on Southern African Talent

Arts and Creative Industries
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14 October

The Création Africa Forum returns for its second edition in Lagos from 16–18 October 2025. After a successful debut in Paris in 2023, which gathered over 300 professionals from 35 African countries and 80 French companies, the Forum is fast becoming a leading space for collaboration and innovation in Africa’s creative economy.

Launched by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, and curated by MansA – Maison des Mondes Africains, the Forum is supported by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Business France, Bpifrance, and the Institut français. This year’s programme will spotlight fast-growing sectors such as immersive media (XR, AR, video games, fashion innovation), transmedia publishing (webtoons), and audiovisual creation (TV series, animation, sound design, VFX).

Southern African Delegation: 27 Voices, One Vision

A major highlight of the Création Africa Forum is the strong delegation of 27 participants from South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, showcasing expertise across VR, animation, gaming, TV series, sound design, fashion, and film. Together, they represent the dynamism and diversity of Southern Africa’s creative industries.

  • Adwoa Ankoma (South Africa) – Director of Policy and Research at Electric South, who pioneers immersive storytelling, AI, and cultural policy to empower artists.
  • Kyle Shepherd (South Africa) – Award-winning pianist and composer, known for scoring Netflix hits Blood & Water and Unseen, and acclaimed for theatre and film music.
  • Nosipho Maketo-Van Den Bragt (South Africa) – CEO of Chocolate Tribe, leading African VFX and animation projects, founder of AVIJOZI, and global advocate for creative tech.
  • Avuzwa Ntshongwana (South Africa) – Founder of South Game Studio, promoting inclusive African gaming, and organizer of Women in Games South Africa.
  • Sithembiso Mphele (South Africa) – Co-founder of Dipopaai Studios and animation producer, developing authentic African storytelling and running Tshimologong’s internship programme in collaboration with GOBELINS Paris.
  • James Matthes (South Africa) – Co-founder of Pressure Cooker Studios, creating global sound design for Netflix, Disney+, Amazon, and video game productions.
  • Eric Gardiner (South Africa) – CEO of Vetkoek Studios, driving innovation in game design, animation, and VFX through a mix of artistry and technology.
  • Marthinus Van Rooyen (South Africa) – Art Director at Mollo Animation Studio & Academy, advancing African animation and teaching globally at GOBELINS Paris and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
  • Mamello Raboroko (South Africa) – Game designer at Vetkoek Studios, advancing immersive media and inclusive cultural ecosystems in African digital innovation.
  • Joy Mawela (South Africa) – Head of Tshimologong Precinct’s Digital Content Hub, leading African storytelling innovation across tech and media platforms.
  • Lodi Matsetela (South Africa) – Programme Lead at Tshimologong Precinct’s Digital Content Hub, award-winning filmmaker, and mentor advancing XR, gaming, and animation.
  • Erika Denis (South Africa) – Creative Industries Consultant,Tshimologong Precinct, with 20 years’ experience in television, film, and digital media, guiding innovation across sectors.
  • Nomsa Philiso (South Africa) – CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice Group, leading Africa’s largest content portfolio and championing youth empowerment.
  • Amy Jephta (South Africa) – Screenwriter, Playwright, and director of Barakat, with credits across Netflix, BBC Studios, Amazon, and iTV.
  • Tendaiishe Chitima (South Africa) – Actress and entrepreneur, known for Cook Off (Zimbabwe’s first Netflix film) and Amazon’s G20.
  • Leroy Siyafa (South Africa) – Actor and model, breakout star in Blood & Water, with roles in King Shaka and G20.
  • Xabiso Vili (South Africa) – World Poetry Slam Champion, blending poetry, AR, and media to reimagine African heritage and healing narratives.
  • Ramadan Suleman (South Africa) – Acclaimed director and producer of Fools and Zulu Love Letter, co-founder of IBFC, mentoring new filmmakers.
  • Katleho Monyako (Lesotho) – Founder of SourceCode Motion Pictures, 3D animation and VFX artist, creating award-winning projects like Motlalentoa.
  • Ben Myres (South Africa) – CEO and Creative Director of Nyamakop, creator of Semblance (first African Nintendo game), now developing Relooted.
  • Julian Kubel (South Africa) – Founder of Butan streetwear, merging bold design with African identity to challenge stereotypes and celebrate heritage.
  • Liz Maleana (South Africa) – Digital media artist and educator, exploring Sepedi heritage, land, and history through animation, sound, and installation.
  • Rafik Seleman (Malawi) – Co-founder of Kwacha Creative Studios, filmmaker and cinematographer, amplifying untold African stories through film and documentary.
  • Rapitso Mosebetsi (Lesotho) – Co-founder of Iconics Clothing, pioneering thermal heating apparel and blending creativity with entrepreneurial innovation.

A Stage for Global Partnerships

With two days of professional networking and a public day to showcase creative talent, Forum Création Africa will act as a catalyst for collaboration. For the Southern African delegation, Lagos represents a platform to build partnerships, expand reach, and share their stories with global audiences.

Jean Spiri, Director of the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), highlights,
“The Création Africa Forum is a wonderful opportunity for creative entrepreneurs from the continent to meet and connect, we are happy to support the attendance of the delegation from South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi.”

Access the full programme here

 

 

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For a closer look at the Création Africa journey, watch the testimonial video featuring the entrepreneurs in their own words. Hear firsthand how the programme has shaped their ventures, opened up international connections, and provided a platform to bring Southern African creativity to the global stage.
For a closer look at the Création Africa journey, watch the short testimonial video featuring the entrepreneurs in their own words. Hear firsthand how the programme has shaped their ventures, opened up international connections, and provided a platform to bring Southern African creativity to the global stage.
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