Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FOR Bulawayo-based 2D animator Wayne Tabaka Ndebele, the journey continues to flourish. From crafting captivating animations to sharing platforms with Africa’s leading creatives, he is demonstrating that Zimbabwean talent deserves recognition on the global stage.
Fresh from showcasing his skills at the Ultimate Battlerivalskool Africa 2025 in Johannesburg this July, Ndebele has now secured a place at one of the continent’s most prestigious creative gatherings — the Création Africa Forum 2025, set to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from October 16 to 18.
In Nigeria, Ndebele will join over 1 000 African and European creatives, including filmmakers, animators, designers and digital innovators. The forum will feature exhibitions, workshops and discussions aimed at shaping a fairer, more inclusive creative economy for Africa.
For him, this is more than just another trip — it marks a defining moment in his career.
“I’m super excited to be going to Lagos for the forum. I never expected to travel and meet other like-minded animators, so this is not an opportunity I’ll take lightly. For me, it’s all about learning, understanding how to navigate our craft from world-leading experts in fields like animation, sound design, VR, AR and webtoons,” he told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
The Création Africa Forum, launched in Paris three years ago, is rapidly becoming the leading platform for Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) across Africa and its diaspora. The event brings together top innovators in animation, gaming, immersive media and digital fashion, creating spaces for collaboration, co-productions and pitching opportunities to global giants such as Netflix, Cartoon Network and Disney.
Ndebele sees this as a vital opportunity to grow — not only artistically, but commercially as well.
“One thing I want to learn is how to monetise my content. Without big streaming channels backing you, it feels impossible to make money from animation beyond events and merchandising. The pitching segment is what I’m after — learning how to present my stories so they can reach global platforms like Disney and Marvel,” he said.
He credits Alliance Française de Bulawayo for playing a pivotal role in his creative journey.
“Alliance Française opened doors for me to travel and expand my mindset. Before I connected with them, I didn’t think a full-blown career in animation was possible. They genuinely support local artistes and push us onto global stages,” he said.
Launched by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, and curated by MansA, the Création Africa Forum positions itself as a unique platform for co-operation and forward-thinking dialogue between Africa and Europe. It focuses on high-potential creative sectors such as immersive media (XR, AR, video games), transmedia storytelling (webtoons), and audiovisual creation (TV series, VFX, sound design and animation) — all of which are shaping new storytelling trends and consumption habits.
This year’s edition aims to strengthen creative ecosystems, encourage co-productions and promote knowledge-sharing, while amplifying the visibility and growth of emerging African talents. Acting as a catalyst at the crossroads of creativity and entrepreneurship, the Forum also functions as an accelerator for economic transformation, linking creative sectors with investors, institutions and global markets.
Animation — a genre beloved by children and the young-at-heart — continues to grow in Zimbabwe, with locally-produced content such as Khuluza and One Family Can, enjoying significant viewership on local television. — @MbuleloMpofu
