NEXT NARRATIVE AFRICA FUND (NNAF)
The Next Narrative Africa Fund is a mission-driven content and media investment vehicle targeting $50 million in total capitalization — $40 million commercial content fund paired with $10 million from its non-profit Venture Studio — to support commercially viable audio-visual content made on the African continent by African and African-diaspora storytellers. Founded in late 2024 by Akunna Cook, a former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, NNAF aims to shift the global perception of the African continent by industrializing the African narrative. The advisory board includes Talitha Watkins of ColorCreative Management (Issa Rae). NNAF partnered with Parrot Analytics on a first-of-its-kind African entertainment landscape study. On 13 March 2026, NNAF unveiled its first slate — selected from 2,000+ submissions — including projects involving Trevor Noah, Rapman (Blue Story, Supacell), and Mohamed Kordofani (Goodbye Julia, Cannes Un Certain Regard Freedom Prize 2023).
Deadline
First grantees announced March 2026. Future open calls expected — monitor the NNAF website.
Cost
FREE — No application fee
Format
Feature films and episodic television series at the script development stage.
Eligibility
African and African-diaspora creators with a compelling film or episodic series idea. Projects must be produced on the African continent with a strong Africa nexus.
What You Get
Up to $100,000 per project for script development. Access to NNAF network of advisors, distributors, and industry partners. Part of a $50M five-year investment pipeline in African content.
What to Submit
Script or project pitch via the NNAF submission portal.
Insider Tips
This is the single largest new dedicated fund for African screen content. Unlike festival-linked funds, NNAF operates as an investment vehicle with a five-year $50M commitment. Focus on commercially viable stories with global audience appeal.
Monitor nextnarrativeafricafund.com for future open calls. First cycle received 2,000+ submissions.
Verify dates and eligibility on the official website before applying.
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