Nigerian animation gets boost

The Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) is boosting Nigerian animation with a new co-production initiative. This comes after a six-month talent-development programme, the TAIDO African Animation Challenge, paired African animation studios with Japanese mentors. Two African studios—Animax FYB Studios of Ghana and CR motion+ from Nigeria—participated in the programme, which was organised by JETRO in collaboration with Arc & Beyond and other partners.

The completed short films were showcased in Tokyo on March 4, 2026, receiving positive reviews from industry experts.

Toei Animation, a member of the TAIDO Awards review panel, has now agreed to invest and collaborate with CR motion+ on producing a new short film based on the Nigerian studio's original title, Trials of the Spear. Comic Republic, the parent company of CR motion+, was founded in 2024 as the production arm of an African entertainment company with a focus on African-created intellectual property.

The studio specializes in animation and visual storytelling based on African-created intellectual property, having secured licensing collaborations with international partners.

JETRO sees this co-production as an example of new business models it aims to promote between Japan and Africa. The organisation highlighted that through initiatives like the TAIDO Project, TICAD, and Super Japan, JETRO has been exploring new collaboration models by leveraging the growing appeal of Japanese pop culture, including animation.

JETRO also mentioned its commitment to supporting partnerships connecting Japanese and African creators and companies through initiatives like the Africa Soft Power Caravan "Super Japan" and other programmes focused on innovation and cross-border business opportunities.