Facebook spotlights African cinema in 6th ‘Made by Africa, loved by the world’ campaign

Ahead of Africa Day on May 25th, Facebook has launched the sixth edition of its pan-African campaign, “Made by Africa, loved by the world,” which will focus on promoting African cinema this year.

The 2026 campaign, called “Where stories spark community,” includes a vodcast series in five parts. This series will feature five famous actors and filmmakers from Nigeria and South Africa who have achieved international recognition.

Two well-known African podcast teams will host the series: I Said What I Said from Nigeria and Because We Said So from South Africa.

The five talented individuals highlighted are:

• Kehinde Bankole, a two-time AMVCA winner with experience at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, voice work in Disney’s Iwaju, and roles in Netflix and Amazon Prime shows.
• Linda Mtoba, an award-winning South African actress famous for Isibaya, The River, and BET’s Queendom.
• Nomzamo Mbatha, a TIME 100 Next honoree, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, who appeared in Coming 2 America and Shaka iLembe.
• Osas Ighodaro, a two-time AMVCA Best Actress winner recognized for The Smart Money Woman and Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, and founder of Imuenyan Productions; and
• Tobi Bakre, an AMVCA-nominated actor known for Brotherhood and Prime Video’s Gangs of Lagos.

How Facebook is positioning African cinema for global audiences

Each episode examines a creator’s creative path, global influence, and use of Facebook to cultivate communities and engage with audiences.

“For six years, Made by Africa has spotlighted talent from across the continent making a mark globally,” said Kezia Anim-Addo, Communications Director for Africa, the Middle East and Turkey at Meta.

“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.“

The campaign also expands its community challenge, #ShareYourAfrica, inviting creators across lifestyle, fashion, and dance to use Meta AI to celebrate African culture through Reels that showcase the traditions and moments shaping African identity today.

FK Abudu and Jola Ayeye, hosts of the Nigerian podcast I Said What I Said, described the partnership as an opportunity to spotlight African creativity globally.

“Being able to spotlight creators with global impact feels incredibly special to us,” they said.

Zama Marubelela and Landzy Gama of Because We Said So added that having Nomzamo Mbatha and Linda Mtoba on the podcast made the partnership even more meaningful.

“We’re excited to amplify these voices and be part of a campaign that celebrates African talent, creativity, and storytelling,” they said.

Vodcast snippets will be on the Meta Africa Facebook page, while full episodes will be available on the I Said What I Said and Because We Said So podcasts, and on individual talent profiles.

Also read: Facebook doubles down on original creators, removed 20 million impersonator accounts in 2025