The first-ever Africa Xchange Summit will debut at Film Festival Cologne on October 15–16, creating a major platform for collaboration between African and European creative industries.
The two-day event is designed to strengthen international partnerships across film, gaming, music, technology, and finance by bringing together leading African professionals with their European counterparts.
It is curated by Nadia Denton, co-host of the Berlinale’s European Film Market podcast, who has over 15 years’ experience in African cinema as a curator, impact producer, and author.
“I see the summit as a timely intervention and showcase for fresh perspectives where talent and experience will converge,” Denton said. “The program will bridge cultures, amplify authentic storytelling, and cast light into spaces where others have not yet dared to go. I am confident that the conversations facilitated during the summit will act as a catalyst for increased cross-sector working with impacts felt across borders.”
The lineup reflects the breadth of Africa’s creative talent.
- Nigerian rapper and entrepreneur Jude “M.I” Abaga will represent the music industry, drawing from his experience as founder of creative agency Tasck.
- Nairobi-based Pamela Mutembei, investment director at HEVA Fund, will share insights on sustainable financing for Africa’s growing creative economy.
- Sudanese filmmaker Mohamed Kordofani, whose debut feature “Goodbye Julia” won the Prix de la Liberté at Cannes, will spotlight African cinema.
- South African producer Joel Chikapa-Phiri, chairman of Known Associates Group, will discuss media company management across the continent.
Organisers say the summit addresses a gap in international networking. While global demand for African narratives in film, music, television, gaming, and fashion is surging, opportunities for structured collaboration between African and European markets have remained limited.
Walid Nakschbandi, Managing Director of the Film and Media Foundation North Rhine-Westphalia, described Africa as a continent of “dynamism, creativity, and cultural diversity,” emphasising its growing importance in global media.
The summit is organised by Rushlake Media, which operates between Cologne and Nairobi, together with production company Die Gesellschaft DGS.
Rushlake’s managing director, Philipp Hoffmann, said the event is vital for Germany’s cultural and economic positioning, noting Africa’s role as one of the last major long-term growth markets.
