Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, Vice President of Verdant Zeal Communications Group, has urged African leaders, investors, and stakeholders to prioritize the development of the continent’s creative economy, stressing that youth alone is not an economic advantage unless talent and energy are converted into productive work.
Speaking on the transformative potential of Africa’s creative industries, Olugbodi highlighted the vast opportunities embedded in filmmaking and audiovisual production in a statement obtained by Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com) he said:
“Africa’s young population is frequently described as one of the continent’s greatest assets. But youth alone is not an economic advantage. It becomes one when people can convert their talent, energy, and ideas into productive work. The creative economy offers one important pathway,” he said.
Olugbodi explained that behind a single film lies an extensive network of professionals — from writers, cinematographers, and set designers to marketers, lawyers, caterers, and technology experts. This, he noted, demonstrates the sector’s capacity to generate employment far beyond what appears on screen.
According to UNESCO, Africa’s film and audiovisual industries currently employ about five million people and contribute approximately US$5 billion to the continent’s economy. With the right conditions, the sector could create more than 20 million jobs and generate US$20 billion annually.
Olugbodi cautioned that figures alone do not create prosperity. He emphasized the need for creative ecosystems where young Africans can access training, professional facilities, intellectual property protection, and sustainable career pathways.
“Africa’s talent is already visible. The more important task is to build industries capable of turning that talent into enduring economic value,” he added.
Through initiatives such as Arc Hub Africa, TOP FILMS, and TOP Film Village & Resorts, Olugbodi and his partners are working to translate creative potential into platforms for storytelling, talent development, and economic growth.
