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IFC and Sony back Africa’s first digital production platform, Filmmakers Mart
To enhance access to production services in Africa’s film and entertainment industry, IFC announced an investment into Filmmakers Mart (FMM), Africa’s first integrated digital production platform.
FMM connects creatives to essential production services including location scouting, logistics coordination, catering, and permit acquisition through a centralized system. It replaces fragmented service sourcing with a cost-effective, time-saving model, using AI-powered tools and automated workflows to enhance service quality and ensure access to vetted providers and filming locations.
IFC’s investment will support FMM to expand from its current markets in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Morocco and South Africa into new markets. It will also fund the development of new platform features, including subscription models, post-production tools, and training programs designed to serve a growing community of creators. The partnership will help strengthen Africa’s creative economy, helping creative professionals overcome the access to market barriers faced by so many on the continent.
This marks IFC’s first investment in Nigeria’s audiovisual sector and its first co-investment with Sony Innovation Fund Africa.
Eric Kafui Okyerefo, CEO, Filmmakers Mart: “We’re building the operating system for the creative industries in emerging markets; an ecosystem of interconnected tools and services designed to eliminate friction, unlock collaboration, and scale access to opportunities for creatives and entertainment businesses. Having IFC and Sony Ventures as strategic partners strongly validates this vision. Their support enables us to deepen our impact, expand globally, and continue solving the structural challenges faced by storytellers and producers in these markets.”
Sony Innovation Fund’s investment will provide FMM with access to its global network and industry expertise in content distribution, helping the platform strengthen its market position.
Antonio Avitabile, Managing Director, Sony Ventures, EMEA: “At Sony Innovation Fund, we are committed to supporting technologies and platforms that empower creators and drive its growth. Filmmakers Mart is addressing real infrastructure gaps in Africa’s production ecosystem with a smart, scalable solution. We’re proud to partner with IFC on this investment, and excited to help FMM unlock new opportunities for the region’s vibrant creative community.”
Dahlia Khalifa, Regional Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, IFC: “Africa’s film and entertainment sector is brimming with talent, but talent alone is not enough. It needs the right tools, platforms, and investment to thrive. Our partnership with Sony to support Filmmakers Mart reflects IFC’s commitment to harnessing technology and innovation to support Africa’s creative industries and help scale opportunities for the next generation of storytellers across the continent.”
This partnership, which is helping more women, young people, and underrepresented groups earn incomes and grow sustainable businesses within the digital creative economy, bolsters IFC’s broader aims to create jobs, foster inclusion, and support digital innovation across Africa.
