Africa Day is about to feel different this year, and Facebook is putting African cinema right at the centre of the conversation.
Meta Platforms has officially launched the sixth edition of its pan-African campaign, “Made by Africa, loved by the world: Where stories spark community,” in the lead-up to Africa Day on 25 May 2026.
And this year? It’s all about film. From Nollywood to South African cinema, the spotlight is firmly on the storytellers shaping how the world sees the continent.
The campaign rolls out a five-part vodcast series, featuring five of Africa’s most recognisable actors and filmmakers from Nigeria and South Africa. The series is hosted by two of the continent’s most loved voices in digital culture; I Said What I Said and Because We Said So.
Speaking about the campaign, Kezia Anim-Addo, Communications Director, Africa, Middle East & Turkey at Meta, said: “For six years, Made by Africa has spotlighted talent from across the continent making a mark globally. This year, film takes centre stage. From Nollywood to South African cinema, African stories are reaching audiences worldwide, and Facebook is at the heart of how people come together around cultural moments like these. This campaign backs the filmmakers driving that momentum.”
The featured talents bringing this year’s campaign to life include:
● Kehinde Bankole (Nigeria) – Two-time AMVCA winner; performed at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre; voiced Disney’s Iwaju; starred in Netflix and Amazon Prime productions.
● Linda Mtoba (South Africa) – Award-winning actress known from Isibaya, The River, and BET’s Queendom; digital entrepreneur and presenter.
● Nomzamo Mbatha (South Africa) – TIME 100 Next honoree, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, WEF Young Global Leader; starred in Coming 2 America and Shaka iLembe; executive producer and founder of the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation.
● Osas Ighodaro (Nigeria) – Two-time AMVCA Best Actress winner; known for The Smart Money Woman and Fela and the Kalakuta Queens; founder of Imuenyan Productions.
● Tobi Bakre (Nigeria) – AMVCA-nominated actor known for Brotherhood and Gangs of Lagos; one of Nollywood’s fastest-rising leading men.
Each episode dives into the creatives’ journeys, from early beginnings to global recognition, and how they’re using Facebook to build community and stay connected with audiences across the world.
Speaking on the collaboration, FK Abudu & Jola Ayeye from I Said What I Said shared: “We’re excited about this partnership and the chance to collaborate with Facebook in celebrating Africa Day with other brilliant African creatives. Being able to spotlight creators with global impact feels incredibly special to us and we look forward to more partnerships and opportunities to champion African creativity.”
From the Because We Said So side, Zama Marubelela & Landzy Gama added: “As young African content creators, we’re passionate about celebrating African excellence, identity, and culture through honest and relatable conversations. Having Nomzamo Mbatha and Linda Mtoba on Because We Said So made this collaboration with Meta even more special, as they both continue to represent Africa on a global stage while sharing authentic African stories with the world. We’re excited to amplify these voices and be part of a campaign that celebrates African talent, creativity, and storytelling on a global scale.”
Beyond the screen, the campaign also brings back the #ShareYourAfrica challenge, this time evolving with Meta AI. Creators across fashion, lifestyle, and dance are encouraged to use Reels to showcase African culture, traditions, and everyday moments that define identity on the continent.
Vodcast snippets will be rolling out on the Meta Africa Facebook page, with full episodes available via I Said What I Said and Because We Said So, alongside talent profiles.
And just like that, Africa Day season is officially in storytelling mode.
In The Room
_Published by Neontle Mogomotsi
