The Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) 2025 kicked off in grand style today, October 7, at the Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos setting the tone for three days of insight, creativity, and collaboration across Africa’s animation and creative industries.
The opening day carried the theme “The Creative Economy Development Fund: A Catalyst for Growth,” focusing on how targeted investment and structured financing can drive expansion within the African creative ecosystem. The session brought together key voices from across Nigeria and the continent, drawing a lively audience of animators, producers, students, and media executives.
Moderated by Esther Kemi Gbadamosi, Managing Director of Radiocity Media Limited, the session featured a diverse panel that included Mr. Uche Agbo (President, Directors Guild of Nigeria), Mr. Ikenna Oguike (Chief Operating Officer, Del-York Group), Mr. Fidelis Duker (Filmmaker and MD, FAD Media Group), Raymond Malinga (CEO, The Creatures Company, Uganda), and Mr. Mbuotidem Johnson (Managing Director, Basement Animation & Trustee, Animation Nigeria).
While Mr. Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, was originally announced as a speaker, he was unable to attend. Nonetheless, the conversation remained dynamic and forward-looking, with panelists emphasizing the importance of partnerships, consistent funding, and creative education to build a sustainable African animation industry.
Mr. Uche Agbo discussed the need for stronger collaboration between government bodies and private investors to create funding pipelines that can scale local productions. Ikenna Oguike of Del-York Group highlighted how corporate institutions and training academies are positioning young creatives for global opportunities. Fidelis Duker added his voice, urging that independent filmmakers and animators must be provided with platforms that make monetization viable. Meanwhile, Raymond Malinga Joining virtually shared Uganda’s growing animation landscape and how African studios can collaborate regionally for greater global impact.
The conversation was rounded off by Mbuotidem Johnson, who drew from his experience leading Basement Animation, emphasizing the role of consistent quality, mentorship, and community-building in creating an animation economy that thrives both artistically and commercially.
The session also featured notable attendees within the audience, including Joke Silva, veteran actress and cultural icon, and veteran actor and producer Francis Kainebi Onwoche , both of whom lent prestige and attention to the opening day’s proceedings.
For ComicPanel World, the day was a powerful reflection of what Africa’s creative industry can become when vision meets structure. The dialogue at LIFANIMA 2025’s opening session set the right mood, one of hope, action, and unity for what promises to be a defining year for animation and creative enterprise across the continent.
The event continues through October 9, with screenings, workshops, and exhibitions showcasing the best of African animated storytelling.