Netflix is expanding its investment in Africa to nurture emerging talent and share stories that resonate both locally and globally.
“Crafting local narratives presents a significant opportunity,” stated Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s Vice President of Content for Africa and the Middle East, during an interview with AFP at the Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa in Gaborone, Botswana.
He emphasized that international investment in local storytelling is crucial for the growth of indigenous industries.
Amadasun highlighted the importance of African people seeing their lives, cultures, languages, and nations represented on screen.
Productions that are embraced locally stand a greater chance of international acclaim, he noted.
Netflix has diversified its offerings, producing hits like Spain’s “Money Heist” and South Korea’s “Squid Game.”
The South African series “Blood and Water” achieved international acclaim, topping the charts in the U.S., and its lead actress Ama Qamata was honored at the event as part of the 2024 Africa Forbes 30 under 30 list.
The South African thriller “Heart of the Hunter,” Nigeria’s “The Black Book,” and “Young, Famous and African” are among the African titles that have achieved significant success. Netflix revealed plans last year to broaden its operations across the continent.
This expansion will encompass direct training and skills development in its productions, as well as scholarship programs and masterclasses to aid the younger generation in developing their projects, according to Amadasun.
Furthermore, Netflix has an exciting array of African content scheduled to debut in the upcoming months.
