Vanessa Obioha
Recently, Del-York Group, a leading Nigerian conglomerate pioneering developments in Africa’s creative, media, technology, and infrastructure sectors, signed a $4.5 billion joint venture agreement with Singapore’s TSC Global. The investment, which is the largest in Africa’s creative industry, aims to transform Africa’s creative industry, projected to reach $100 billion by 2030 and generate millions of jobs.
Global interest in the sector has surged recently. Major investments, such as Afreximbank’s $2 billion investment in the Creative Africa Nexus and Universal Music Group’s stake in Nigerian-based Mavin Records, demonstrate this growing momentum.
Yet, despite this optimism, significant challenges remain with countries like Nigeria struggling with fragmented infrastructures. Without comprehensive, world-class creative facilities, much of the industry operates in isolation, leaving untapped potential and inconsistent outputs.
The Del-York and TSC Global collaboration seeks to address this very issue by developing Lagos Film City—Kebulania, a state-of-the-art creative ecosystem that will turn the tide for African filmmaking, pushing Africa closer to becoming a global cinematic powerhouse.
Kebulania, unlike traditional film studios, is envisioned as a self-sustaining, integrated film city that will house not only film production but music, live events, and more. A major draw is the advanced technology Kebulania will offer. The city will feature a 50,000-square-meter hyperscale data centre, which will process the enormous data required for AI-driven productions. AI will play a critical role in optimizing film production workflows, making it possible to manage complex, multi-departmental tasks in real time. By automating logistics and resource management, AI will allow filmmakers to focus on storytelling, enhancing efficiency and reducing production costs.
Additionally, the $4.5 billion investment includes a 1GW sustainable gas-fired power generation system and 500,000 square meters of creative and innovation space. With advanced virtual production stages, world-class educational and training facilities, and a creative industrial complex, Kebulania is designed to rival the infrastructure found in Hollywood.
As Michael Dickerson, the CEO of TSC Global puts it, “Kebulania is designed to be the epicentre of Africa’s creative economy.”
Beyond its cutting-edge facilities, Kebulania plans to provide 50,000 training positions, upskill African talent, and create over 35,000 jobs. Located in Epe, Lagos, Kebulania promises to boost Nigeria’s economy by $3.5 billion annually, while its sustainable infrastructure will set a new global standard for eco-friendly filmmaking.
As Linus Idahosa, President and CEO of Del-York Group, explains, “Kebulania is more than a film city; it is a bold economic blueprint for Africa’s creative and industrial revolution.
“By merging cutting-edge technology, sustainable energy, and cultural innovation, this project demonstrates the immense potential of the creative industry as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and foreign investment.”
As audiences demand more immersive and visually compelling content, the infrastructure must evolve to support these experiences. Investing in Kebulania is not just about meeting current needs but about positioning Africa’s creative industry for long-term success. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlights this, stating it offers African creatives a platform to tell their stories on a global stage.
Kebulania undoubtedly is a bold vision with the potential to position Africa as a global film industry leader. Combining cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and cultural depth, the project could reshape global perceptions of Africa and its creative potential.
While challenges remain, this $4.5 billion deal marks a new chapter in Africa’s creative journey. If successful, Kebulania could transform Africa into the next Hollywood.
Last modified: December 29, 2024
