- Acclaimed filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and the KAP Group have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Benin to transform the West African cinematic landscape.
- The partnership focuses on three strategic pillars.
- The collaboration, initiated by the Beninese Presidency, aims to leverage advanced technology and authentic narratives to project African creative strength to a global audience.
The KAP (Kunle Afolayan Production) Group has formalized a strategic partnership with the Republic of Benin to elevate the standards of audio-visual and film production in the region.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the KAP Hub in Lagos—the creative nerve center founded by award-winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan.
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The ceremony was the culmination of high-level engagements and a direct invitation from the Beninese Presidency, reflecting a shared vision to harness the power of cinema as a driver for cultural diplomacy, economic growth, and youth empowerment across the continent.
Addressing the delegation during the signing, Kunle Afolayan described the agreement as a “defining moment for African cinema,” where visionary leadership and cultural authenticity converge to tell the African story in its most compelling form.
The partnership is built upon three primary pillars designed to create a sustainable creative ecosystem. First, it involves the co-production of large-scale cinematic projects, including a highly anticipated Orisha/Vodun-themed television series that will merge Nigerian and Beninese spiritual narratives.
This project is expected to utilize cutting-edge production techniques, including artificial intelligence for pre-visualisation and virtual environments, to ensure the final product competes favorably on the international stage.
The second pillar focuses on capacity building and talent development.
Through the KAP Film & Television Academy, hundreds of young Beninese will receive structured, hands-on training in various aspects of filmmaking, from screenwriting and directing to cinematography and post-production.
This initiative aims to address the technical gaps in the regional industry and provide the next generation of storytellers with the tools needed to achieve global excellence.
Sinatou Saka, the Special Adviser to the President of the Republic of Benin for Media and Audiovisual Affairs, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that the Beninese government is particularly pleased to work with the KAP Group in the area of capacity building to strengthen their local creative economy.
Finally, the partnership includes the ambitious development and operation of a Film City in Ouidah, Benin.
This infrastructure project is intended to position the Republic of Benin as a premier hub for film production and creative excellence in Africa.
By providing world-class facilities and a supportive environment for filmmakers, the Film City will serve as a model for integrated production and tourism, similar to the KAP Film Village & Resort in Oyo State.
The delegation from Benin, which included top government officials and stakeholders in the arts, is scheduled to tour KAP Group’s facilities in Lagos and Oyo to gain further insights into the operational models that have made Afolayan’s enterprise a benchmark for success in Nollywood.
As the creative industry continues to evolve, this partnership underscores Kunle Afolayan’s role as a pioneer in reshaping the African narrative.
By fostering a unified continental voice and prioritizing technical excellence, the collaboration between the KAP Group and the Republic of Benin is set to raise the bar for film production and cultural expression.
The success of this alliance will likely inspire similar cross-border initiatives, ensuring that authentic African stories continue to resonate with audiences both at home and abroad.
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