African animation is taking bold steps onto the global stage, with Nigeria’s Smids Animation Studios representing the continent at the prestigious Annecy/MIFA Pitches Animation du Monde finals. This event, held annually in France, gathers the world’s most promising animation creators and offers them the chance to pitch their projects to top studios, buyers, and investors. For Africa, it is more than a competition — it is a chance to show that its stories and creativity belong in the global conversation.
Africa’s Place at Animation du Monde
The Annecy/MIFA Pitches Animation du Monde has one mission: to bring animation projects from developing regions into the spotlight. For Africa, this means opening doors to funding, partnerships, and distribution networks that have historically been difficult to access. The regional preliminaries, running from June 10 to 15, gather talent from across the continent, selecting the best projects to compete in France.
Dami Solesi: Leading Nigeria’s Animation Charge
At the center of this story is Dami Solesi, CEO and creative director of Lagos-based Smids Animation Studios. Selected as one of two finalists to represent Africa, Solesi sees this as a landmark moment for Nigerian animation. She explains that her goal is to tell African stories for kids and families worldwide — a mission already underway with the studio’s acclaimed miniseries Boxed and its newest project, The Makerbolts.
The Vision Behind Smids Animation Studios
Smids is more than just a production house. It is a hub for creative talent focused on children’s entertainment and educational storytelling. Solesi believes Africa cannot be left behind in the fast-changing media landscape. For her, winning at Annecy is not just about recognition; it is about putting Africa, and specifically Nigeria, firmly on the global animation map.
The Makerbolts: Africa’s New 3D Adventure
The flagship project taking center stage at the finals is The Makerbolts, a 52-episode 3D animated series featuring three friends — Zina, Bini, and Toni — who live in the fictional city of Lagville. Together, they build gadgets from scrap metal in an abandoned junkyard and solve challenges in their community. Each 11-minute episode blends fun, adventure, and problem-solving, designed to inspire resourcefulness in children.
Why The Makerbolts Matters
Shows like The Makerbolts are critical because they present African children as inventive, capable, and adventurous — a sharp contrast to how African characters are often portrayed in global media. Solesi’s team hopes to sell the series internationally while also sparking interest in STEM education across Africa.
Event Goals and Industry Opportunities
The trip to France is about more than pitching a single show. Smids Animation aims to network with content buyers, sign production deals, and learn first-hand about trends in the global content market. For a young studio, these opportunities can open the path to co-productions and streaming platform distribution.
Key Goals for Smids at Annecy
| Objective | Expected Outcome |
| Pitch The Makerbolts | Secure production and distribution deal |
| Meet industry buyers | Build long-term partnerships |
| Learn market trends | Align content strategy with global demand |
| Promote African animation | Increase visibility for Nigeria and the continent |
Africa’s Animation Momentum
Africa’s creative industries have already proven their global potential through Nollywood, one of the largest film industries in the world. Animation is now following suit. Studios in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria are producing content for platforms like Netflix, proving that the market is ready for African stories.
Challenges on the Road
Despite the progress, African animation faces hurdles: limited funding, lack of local distribution infrastructure, and shortage of skilled animators. Solesi admits the journey has been difficult, but moments like this make the effort worthwhile. Her story is an example of how persistence can overcome systemic barriers.
A Message for Dreamers
Solesi uses her platform to encourage other African creators. Her advice is simple: keep dreaming and keep building, even when the path is hard. The global stage is opening, and there is room for more African voices to join the conversation.
Looking Ahead
Smids Animation Studios is already planning future projects beyond The Makerbolts, focusing on expanding its content library for children and family entertainment. If the studio succeeds at Annecy, it could set a precedent for other African creators to follow, paving the way for a stronger, self-sustaining animation industry on the continent.
Building a Sustainable Animation Ecosystem
Winning a global pitch is only the beginning. For African animation to thrive, there must be a pipeline that connects training, funding, and distribution. Smids and other studios are investing in talent development, often running internships and workshops for young animators. This approach ensures that future projects will have skilled teams ready to meet international standards.
Global Collaboration and Co-Productions
Partnerships with foreign studios play a key role in bridging technical and financial gaps. Co-productions allow African studios to access advanced tools, while international partners benefit from fresh storytelling rooted in African culture. Recent collaborations between South African studios and European broadcasters have shown that these partnerships can produce award-winning content.
The Role of Streaming Platforms
Streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+ have expressed growing interest in African stories. Their investment in African content means that shows like The Makerbolts have a higher chance of reaching global audiences. Distribution is no longer limited to local television; African animation can now compete globally on-demand.
Why Kids’ Content is the Focus
Children’s programming has proven to be a strong entry point for emerging animation industries. It is less risky than adult-oriented series, easier to market, and has international appeal. Educational themes can also attract public and NGO funding. Smids’ focus on kids’ entertainment positions it strategically for long-term success.
Economic Potential for Nigeria
Nigeria’s entertainment industry already contributes billions to GDP through Nollywood and music. Adding a robust animation sector could diversify the economy and create high-skill jobs. Government support, tax incentives, and investment in creative hubs could accelerate this growth and make Nigeria a leading animation exporter.
Lessons for Emerging Creators
Dami Solesi’s journey offers a roadmap for other African creators. Three key lessons stand out:
- Persistence Pays Off — Smids took three years to reach this milestone.
- Think Global, Act Local — content should reflect African culture but meet global technical standards.
- Build Community — collaboration with other creatives strengthens the industry and attracts investors.
Cultural Impact of African Animation
Representation matters. When African children see heroes who look like them solving problems and using technology, it reshapes their perception of what is possible. Animation becomes more than entertainment — it becomes a tool for empowerment and cultural pride.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Solesi envisions a future where multiple African studios compete on the global stage, producing not just children’s shows but action, comedy, and feature-length films. If The Makerbolts succeeds, it could serve as a catalyst for more ambitious projects and inspire a generation of animators.
Call to Action
For readers passionate about African storytelling, now is the time to support local creators. Follow Smids Animation Studios, share their work on social media, and advocate for African shows on streaming platforms. Each view, share, and conversation helps build momentum for the industry.