07 May 2024

Netflix’s online streaming services provides an opportunity for young Africans in the creative industry, says Netflix vice president for Middle East and Africa, Ben Amadasun.

Amadasun, who was responding to questions at the 2024 Forbes under 30 Africa Summit yesterday said the world’s leading online streaming platform was there for the creative industry and encouraged young Africans to seize opportunities presented by internet entertainment service.

Amadasun said Netflix was passionate about telling the African story and wanted to see more editions of authentic stories of different African cultures.

However, he said for African stories to reach the world stage, productions should match quality standards of Netflix.

He, therefore, encouraged those wishing to pitch their ideas to Netflix to work with producers in the market who were already accustomed to their requirements or link up directly with Netflix.

Amadasun also said Netflix attended various conferences such as the Forbes summit, which gave young Africans opportunity to pitch their ideas or link up.

He said the audience wanted to see authentic stories of African content, adding, “...Netflix has invested a lot in the African creative economy, leading to emergence of the best storytellers from the continent.” Netflix -vice president for Middle East and Africa said online streaming platform created employment and new stars in the continent.

Amadasun whose portfolio includes driving the content strategy across Africa for Netflix through developing and sourcing local programming, was part of a panel that included South African actor, Ama Qamata and Managing Director at Global Venture Partners, Josh Wilson.

The panel was facilitated by founder of Creative Consultants and Trainer Reagile Kopi.

The four day event which is held in Botswana for the third time comes to end today. ENDS