A new creative initiative focused on shaping Africa’s future in vertical storytelling has officially launched in Lagos. The Digital Creator Africa Academy for Microdrama (DCAA), co-founded by creative strategist Ifeoma “Oma” Areh and media innovator Elijah Affi, is positioning itself as a career accelerator designed to help African filmmakers tap into the rapidly growing global vertical video market.

The academy aims to train 300 filmmakers, videographers, writers and storytellers, helping them transition from traditional horizontal filmmaking into the fast-paced microdrama space that dominates mobile streaming platforms. Unlike conventional film schools, the program focuses on practical industry skills, business strategy and digital distribution models tailored to today’s evolving media landscape.

Building Africa’s presence in the global vertical video economy

According to the founders, the initiative is designed to help African creators compete in a global vertical video market valued in the billions. While African content already performs strongly on platforms like YouTube, premium short-form drama platforms such as ReelShort, DramaBox and ShortMax remain largely untapped by creators on the continent.

Ifeoma “Oma” Areh explained that the goal is to develop storytellers who can scale internationally by learning the pacing, storytelling hooks and visual language required for vertical drama. She described the academy as an ecosystem builder that combines creative training with practical business knowledge.

Although the academy launches officially now, its groundwork began months earlier. Since September 2025, the team has hosted educational sessions across major industry events including the Soweto International Film Festival, The Kingdom Film Festival and the Africa Creative Market. The roadshow introduced filmmakers to the concept of vertical storytelling and helped identify potential participants, leading to hundreds of early applications.

AI filmmaking and a cohort-based studio model

A key part of the Digital Creator Africa Academy’s approach is the integration of artificial intelligence into filmmaking. The AI stream focuses on reducing production time and costs while maintaining high-quality visuals, giving independent creators the ability to produce studio-level content at scale.

Participants will train through a free three-week intensive program structured around six specialised areas: scriptwriting, directing, production management, editing, AI filmmaking and acting for the vertical frame. Rather than graduating as individuals, participants will complete the program as working production teams capable of creating content immediately.

The curriculum blends African storytelling styles with techniques drawn from more established microdrama markets in Asia and Western streaming ecosystems. Faculty members include industry professionals with experience in China’s duanju format, Indian streaming productions and global digital platforms.

The academy’s launch is backed by partners such as Ingene Studios, Africa Creative Market, TechMedia Foundation, Digital Native Africa, Fourth Mainland and WildPepper Studios, highlighting growing collaboration between Africa’s creative and tech sectors.

Applications for the inaugural cohort are now open to experienced filmmakers from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and members of the diaspora. Organisers say the program reflects a broader shift toward mobile-first storytelling as African creatives look to expand their reach within the global streaming ecosystem.