Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy Endorses LIFANIMA 2024: A Major Boost to Nigeria’s Animation Industry

Abuja, Nigeria - Oct 07, 2024 - The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy is proud to announce its official endorsement of the Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) 2024. As one of Africa’s foremost animation festivals, LIFANIMA has become a significant platform for advancing Nigeria's animation sector, driving the nation's creative potential forward on a global scale.

Now in its seventh year, LIFANIMA has played a vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s animation landscape by showcasing local talent and integrating animated content into mainstream cinema. Organised by Mr. Muyiwa Kayode of USP Brand Management, the festival not only elevates storytelling in Nigerian films but also offers valuable opportunities for animators to refine their skills through workshops that introduce cutting-edge animation technologies. The festival further solidifies Nigeria’s position as a hub for animation, drawing international attention and promoting tourism through its dynamic programming.

The Ministry’s engagement with LIFANIMA began in early 2024, following discussions at the Omniverse Summit and subsequent collaborations at the Annecy Animation Festival in France. This led to a partnership under the Ministry’s Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP), designed to enhance animation capacity across Nigeria. Through this initiative, the Ministry is preparing Nigeria’s creative sector to thrive in the global animation market, which is projected to reach nearly $600 billion by 2030.

By officially endorsing LIFANIMA 2024, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to empowering young Nigerian creatives with the necessary tools and exposure to excel on the world stage. This collaboration not only amplifies local talent but also aligns with the Ministry’s vision of harnessing the creative economy for national growth and cultural preservation. LIFANIMA has become an essential conduit for global engagement, ensuring that Nigeria’s animation industry is both competitive and innovative.

As LIFANIMA continues to grow, the Ministry looks forward to a successful festival that will spotlight Nigeria’s creative brilliance, foster international partnerships, and catalyse the next phase of growth for the nation’s vibrant animation industry.

Chindaya Ahmadu

(Director Press, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy)