Singapore's TSC Global and Nigeria's Del-York Group in a landmark development for Africa's creative and technological sectors have entered into a $4.5 billion joint venture agreement to construct the Lagos Film City, also known as Kebulania.
This ambitious project is set to transform Lagos into a global hub for film, media, and technology, marking one of the largest single investments in Africa's creative industry to date.
The signing ceremony took place in Singapore and was attended virtually by Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, "Lagos Film City (Kebulania) represents Lagos State’s vision for creative excellence and technological innovation."
The governor credited Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and the state’s Creative Industry Policy for facilitating this transformative partnership.
The project aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem that includes a 50,000-square-meter hyperscale data center, sustainable power generation of up to 1GW, and 500,000 square meters of creative and innovation spaces. It will feature advanced virtual production stages, world-class educational facilities, and residential areas, all designed to foster creativity and technological advancement.
Michael Dickerson, CEO of TSC Global, highlighted the strategic importance of the venture, saying, "Our $4.5 billion Joint Venture bridges Africa and the world, creating unparalleled opportunities for creative and technological collaboration between continents."
Linus Idahosa, CEO of Del-York Group, echoed these sentiments, describing the deal as a milestone for Africa: "Today marks Africa’s emphatic entry into global creative and technological leadership."
The Lagos Film City project is expected to generate over 10,000 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect employment opportunities, contributing more than $3.5 billion annually to Nigeria’s creative economy. It will also offer 50,000 training positions each year, fostering skills development and boosting foreign exchange earnings through international productions.
Environmental sustainability is a core element of the development, with plans for 40 percent renewable energy integration, advanced water recycling systems, green building certification, and biodiversity preservation initiatives. These efforts aim to ensure that the project not only serves as a catalyst for international co-productions and technology partnerships but also aligns with global sustainability standards.
The architectural work on Kebulania is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025, with construction set to follow by the second quarter. This timeline shows the commitment of both TSC Global and Del-York Group to swiftly advance the project, which has been in the planning stages since a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Lagos State Government in 2022.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his optimism about the project's potential impact, stating, "This investment will transform our creative landscape while creating groundbreaking opportunities for our talented youth. It demonstrates our commitment to positioning Lagos as Africa’s premier creative capital."
The partnership between Singapore and Nigeria is not just about infrastructure; it is about creating a legacy that will empower generations of African creators and innovators. As Linus Idahosa noted, "With the unwavering support of the Lagos State Government, alongside our partners, we are building more than infrastructure – we are creating a legacy that will empower generations of African creators and innovators."
The Lagos Film City is poised to become a beacon of creative and technological excellence, attracting talent and investment from around the world. It represents a new model for creative industry development that will resonate globally, setting a precedent for future collaborations between Africa and other continents.
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