Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, will host the inaugural African Animation Film Market (MAFA) in November 2026, creating the continent’s first marketplace dedicated to the animation business. Unlike traditional festivals focused on showcasing completed works, MAFA will function as an industry marketplace, allowing creators to pitch projects, secure financing, and negotiate distribution deals with broadcasters, studios, and streaming platforms. Organizers expect more than 10,000 participants and have opened submissions for short films, feature films, television series, and student projects. The initiative reflects growing global demand for African stories and original intellectual property while addressing longstanding industry challenges such as limited financing, talent shortages, and weak production infrastructure. The launch builds on momentum from the existing Abidjan Animation Film Festival and reflects growing international interest for African-produced content.
Culture Custodian