Meta has unveiled the sixth edition of its pan-African storytelling campaign, “Made by Africa, Loved by the World,” with the 2026 edition shining a spotlight on the continent’s fast-growing film industry and the creatives taking African stories to audiences around the world.
Launched ahead of Africa Day, this year’s campaign, themed “Where Stories Spark Community,” celebrates the growing global influence of African cinema and the role of Facebook in helping filmmakers and actors connect with fans and build engaged communities online.
The initiative consists a five-part vodcast series featuring five renowned actors and filmmakers from Nigeria and South Africa. The series is hosted by the creators of the Nigerian podcast I Said What I Said and South Africa’s Because We Said So.
The featured talents include Kehinde Bankole, Osas Ighodaro, and Tobi Bakre from Nigeria, alongside Linda Mtoba and Nomzamo Mbatha from South Africa.
Each episode explores the personal and professional journeys of the stars, highlighting their rise within the African film industry, their international accomplishments, and the role Facebook plays in helping them engage with audiences across the world.
Bankole, a two-time Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) winner, has appeared in productions on Netflix and Prime Video, voiced a character in Iwaju, and performed at Shakespeare’s Globe.
Ighodaro, also a two-time AMVCA Best Actress winner, is known for her roles in The Smart Money Woman and Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, whileBakre has earned recognition for his performances in Brotherhood and Gangs of Lagos.
Among the South African stars, Mtoba has featured in acclaimed productions such as Isibaya, The River and Queendom.
Mbatha, a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and founder of the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation, has starred in Coming 2 America and the historical drama series Shaka iLembe.
Commenting on the campaign, Kezia Anim-Addo, communications director, Africa, Middle East & Turkey at Meta,said the initiative has, for six years, showcased Africans making a global impact across different creative sectors.
“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,” she said.
She added that the campaign is designed to support the filmmakers and storytellers driving the growing global appetite for African content.
Meta is also expanding its #ShareYourAfrica community challenge as part of the campaign. The initiative invites creators in fashion, dance and lifestyle to use Meta AI to produce Reels that celebrate African traditions, creativity and cultural identity.
The “Made by Africa, Loved by the World” campaign was launched in 2021 to spotlight African innovators and creatives across industries such as fashion, music, sports and entrepreneurship.
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