USAID, Ascend Studios Launch $3.5 Million Initiative to Boost Nigeria’s Film Industry

Mary Nnah

In a landmark move to revolutionise Nigeria’s burgeoning film industry, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Ascend Studios have launched the Africa Creative Blueprint, a groundbreaking $3.5 million initiative designed to empower Nigerian creatives and propel African stories onto the global stage.

This strategic partnership is a significant milestone in the growth and development of Nigeria’s creative industry, and is expected to have a profound impact on the country’s economic and cultural landscape. By providing intensive training in TV production to 3,500 Nigerian youth by December 15, 2024, the initiative aims to develop a skilled TV workforce that can compete with the best in the world.

The Africa Creative Blueprint will also bring together at least 200 young Nigerians to collaborate on the production of a high-quality, music-infused 13-episode TV drama. This exciting project will not only provide a platform for Nigerian creatives to showcase their talents but also help to promote African culture and values to a global audience.

The training program will be rolled out across six Nigerian cities, ensuring widespread access to this unique development opportunity. This comprehensive approach will help to address key challenges facing Nigeria’s film industry, including limited distribution channels, inadequate production quality, and insufficient intellectual property protections.

By bridging these gaps, the Africa Creative Blueprint aims to enable the creative sector to capture a broader audience and support more sustainable revenue streams for filmmakers. This, in turn, is expected to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy, while also promoting cultural exchange and understanding between Nigeria and the rest of the world.

With this groundbreaking partnership, USAID and Ascend Studios are poised to revolutionize Nigeria’s creative industry, empowering a new generation of African storytellers and creatives to shine on the global stage. Applications for the training programme and cast/crew member employment are now open, and interested individuals are encouraged to apply before the December 15th deadline.