Pitch Your Script – Next Narrative Africa Fund
The Next Narrative Africa Fund is a $40 million mission driven content and media fund to invest in commercially viable audio-visual content made on the Continent by African and African-diaspora storytellers.
The Next Narrative Africa Fund aims to change the narrative about Africa and people of African descent by telling African stories for global impact. It will also fuel the growth of the creative industries in Africa, empower artists by promoting business and intellectual property ownership, and contribute to sustainable livelihoods across Africa and its diaspora.
Powering Africa’s Next Narrative
The Next Narrative Africa Fund is a $40 million mission driven content and media fund to invest in commercially viable audio-visual content made on the Continent by African and African-diaspora storytellers.
The Next Narrative Africa Fund aims to change the narrative about Africa and people of African descent by
telling African stories for global impact. It will also fuel the growth of the creative industries in Africa, empower
artists by promoting business and intellectual property ownership, and contribute to sustainable livelihoods across Africa and its diaspora.
Goals of the Inaugural Development Grant
Submissions Process
1. Narrative Change
• NNA Fund is looking for projects that allow for new and different stories about and images of Africa to be seen by the world
• We want to defy and challenge stereotypes about Africa and Africans while we entertain
• We are looking for projects and filmmakers who have something interesting to say about the impact areas we identified and, as a result, the world and the time we are living in
• We are especially interested in projects that have applied a gender lens, whether that be confronting gender tropes/stereotypes or showcasing healthy masculinity.
Ultimately, we want to positively influence norms in ways that benefit young people around the world, but especially women and girls.
In short, we want to support the kinds of projects that the world
should see about Africa and Africans
Goals of the Submissions Process
2. Pipeline Building for Equity Fund
• NNA Fund is looking for projects that will potentially enter the commercial equity fund’s pipeline.
• We want stories and projects that can travel; stories that an audience around the world can relate to it while maintaining the authenticity of the storyteller(s) and the time and place in which the story is told.
• We want to select projects from a cohort of filmmakers and production companies that can be great ambassadors for the brand—we can depend on them to deliver and be great partners to the Fund now and in the future.
• We manage reputational risk by working with partners who align with our values.
In short, we want projects that will make money and win awards
Press Release: Nigerian Center and Upwardly Global Partner to Expand Job Readiness Opportunities for Immigrants
Washington, DC — The Nigerian Center is proud to announce a new collaboration with Upwardly Global, a leading national nonprofit organization that helps skilled immigrants and refugees rebuild their careers in the United States. Together, the two organizations will host a virtual information session on Tuesday, May 28th at 6:30 p.m. EST, to introduce job readiness and employment resources for immigrants and offer referrals to the Nigerian Center’s legal and social services.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2025
Nigerian Center and Upwardly Global Partner to Expand Job Readiness Opportunities for Immigrants
Washington, DC — The Nigerian Center is proud to announce a new collaboration with Upwardly Global, a leading national nonprofit organization that helps skilled immigrants and refugees rebuild their careers in the United States. Together, the two organizations will host a virtual information session on Tuesday, May 28th at 6:30 p.m. EST, to introduce job readiness and employment resources for immigrants and offer referrals to the Nigerian Center’s legal and social services.
This partnership aims to provide immigrant professionals with tools and guidance to re-enter their fields of expertise, navigate the U.S. job market, and access wraparound legal services, including support with work authorization, immigration, and family-related matters.
“Our partnership with Upwardly Global comes at a critical time when many of our community members are seeking not just survival, but the opportunity to thrive. Through this collaboration, we’re bridging the gap between legal support and economic mobility by helping skilled immigrants take meaningful steps toward professional stability and long-term success.”
said Adejumoke Ojo, Program Director at the Nigerian Center.
During the virtual information session, participants will learn about Upwardly Global’s free job coaching, resume assistance, interview prep, and access to employer networks. The Nigerian Center will also provide information on legal aid services, including support with immigration cases, and related services that help to eliminate legal barriers to gainful employment.
“Upwardly Global’s free Career Coaching Program provides critical resources that empower immigrant and refugee job seekers as they navigate the U.S. job market. Through the coaching program, Upwardly Global works to bridge the gap between recently arrived newcomers (those who have been in the country for ten years or less) restarting their careers and employers in need of talent. Our access to these job seekers is enhanced through partnership with establishments like the Nigerian Center."
said Dr. Lillian Agbeyegbe, Program Director, Eastern Region at Upwardly Global.
To register, visit www.nigeriancenter.org/events/jobreadiness2025
For media inquiries, please contact: info@nigeriancenter.org
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Tsedaye Makonnen's ASTRAL SEA Speaks To The Need for Collective Refuge
Contemporary Ethiopian/American Artist Tsedaye Makonnen was commissioned by MetLiveArts and featured as one of the two living artists in the Africa and Byzantium exhibition. The result is ASTRAL SEA, which speaks to themes of Slavery, Textiles and History
Oyiza Adaba, New York
Contemporary Ethiopian/American Artist Tsedaye Makonnen was commissioned by MetLiveArts and featured as one of the two living artists in the Africa and Byzantium exhibition. The result is ASTRAL SEA, which speaks to themes of Slavery, Textiles and History
Contemporary Artist Tsedaye Makonnen, currently featured as one of the two living artists in the Africa and Byzantium exhibition, has been commissioned by MetLiveArts and supported by Franklin Furnace to produce a new iteration from her performance and textile series Astral Sea to be featured at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The exhibition explores the cultural interconnections between the African continent and Byzantium from the 4th to the 15th century. The Met has commissioned 7 new works from Tsedaye alongside this new performance piece.
Performers Jasmine Hearn and Adia will be adorned by Astral Sea mirrored textiles created by the artist Tsedaye moving through the exhibit and Petrie Court. Their abstracted gestures will emulate water, land and the cosmos becoming a conduit of those who the work honors.
The performance will highlight themes of healing, protection, hope, resilience, and the power of collective action, drawing connections between the rich histories of Africa and the African diaspora. It will be accompanied by a special live soundscape created by world renowned Sudanese musician Alsarah from Alsarah and the Nubatones.
Astral Sea: The Need for Collective Refuge Performance
Date: February 29th, 2024
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Africa & Byzantium exhibit and Petrie Court
Performers: Jasmine Hearn, Adia and musician Alsarah
Artist: Tsedaye Makonnen
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Africa-Related is a media content production house
WELCOME CORPS Celebrate One Year Anniversary
Welcome Corps is a new program that empowers everyday Americans to welcome refugees arriving through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
Photo courtesy of Welcome Corps
Africa-Related New York
Welcome Corps is a new program that empowers everyday Americans to welcome refugees arriving through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announces Welcome Corps
In January 2023, the U.S. Department of State, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, launched the Welcome Corps, a new program that empowers everyday Americans to welcome refugees arriving through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). In July 2023, the Department of State introduced the Welcome Corps on Campus, a new targeted education sponsorship initiative that enables U.S. colleges and universities to play a leading role in resettling refugee students.
The boldest innovation in the United States’ approach to refugee resettlement in four decades, the Welcome Corps builds upon our country’s long tradition of providing refuge to people forced to flee their homes. The launch of the program is widely popular among the American public and even more popular among those who personally know someone who is a refugee. In the first weeks following the launch, tens of thousands of people registered to learn more about the program and how they can join the Welcome Corps.
For more than 40 years, the Department of State has partnered primarily with non-profit resettlement agencies to provide initial resettlement assistance to newly arriving refugees. The Welcome Corps creates new opportunities for Americans in communities across the United States to engage directly in refugee resettlement, building on existing opportunities to volunteer with resettlement agencies.
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U.S. Migration Policy Overview
FOREIGN PRESS CENTER BRIEFING WITH KATIE TOBIN, DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO PRESIDENT BIDEN AND COORDINATOR FOR THE LOS ANGELES DECLARATION, BLAS NUÑEZ-NETO, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY FOR BORDER AND IMMIGRATION POLICY, AND ERIC JACOBSTEIN, DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CENTRAL AMERICA, CUBA AND MIGRATION.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Global Public Affairs
JANUARY 11, 2024
FPC TRANSCRIPT: U.S. Migration Policy Overview
FOREIGN PRESS CENTER BRIEFING WITH KATIE TOBIN, DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO PRESIDENT BIDEN AND COORDINATOR FOR THE LOS ANGELES DECLARATION, BLAS NUÑEZ-NETO, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY FOR BORDER AND IMMIGRATION POLICY, AND ERIC JACOBSTEIN, DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CENTRAL AMERICA, CUBA AND MIGRATION.
Cover Photo: Metin Ozer @metinozer
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PASSPORT WOES: Nigerians Abroad Call For Better Consular Services
Nigerians living in the United States, who have suffered harrowing expreinces at each of the four consular offices in the country, unite under The Nigerian Center to call out their Government.
20 Nigerian American Community Organizations Advocate for the Improvement of Services at the Nigerian Embassy in the United States
by The Nigerian Centre, Washington DC
Washington, D.C., November 17, 2023
A coalition of 20 prominent Nigerian American community organizations has come together to call on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to improve consular and passport services at the Nigerian Embassy in the United States through a collaborative effort. This appeal is directed to Honorable Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo of the Ministry of Interior and Ambassador Dr. Uzoma E. Emenike of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the United States.
In a joint letter, the coalition underscored the urgent need for immediate improvements across various aspects of embassy operations, highlighting critical concerns adversely affecting the Nigerian diaspora community in the United States. These concerns include delays in passport processing, challenges in acquiring National IDs, issues with embassy infrastructure, communication, and customer service, complications in visa processing and community relations.
In addition to highlighting key concerns, the letter provided specific solutions that take advantage of the expansive capabilities of local Nigerian American community organizations as a resource for addressing these issues.
Madam Lara Okunubi, Chairperson and CEO of the Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee, emphasized the opportunity to embrace a collaborative approach with local Nigerian American community organizations stating, "When support improves, outcomes will increase."
Gbenga Ogunjimi, Executive Director of the Nigerian Center, acknowledged the ongoing improvement in consular services while asserting, “The coalition's voice represents an opportunity to enhance our home country’s image in the United States.”
Sunday Bitrus, President of Zumunta Association Inc., highlighted the absence of a permanent Nigerian Consulate on the entire West Coast, Midwest, and South Coast of the United States. He emphasized, “There is a need for additional consular services in areas with significant Nigerian populations, such as Los Angeles, Houston, San Francisco, and Chicago.”
The coalition's letter outlining these concerns is available below.
About The Nigerian Center
Nigerian Center is the first immigrant and cultural center that serves the Nigerian American community in the United States. The center's mission is to foster financial inclusion and social justice opportunities for its community members. Additionally, the center champions policy advocacy efforts and, to that end, is leading a coalition of community organizations whose goal is to elevate the community as a policy priority in the United States.
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What has been your expense at any Nigerian Embassy or Consular Office abroad? Readers are encouraged to leave their comments
US VISAS: State Department Gives Post-Pandemic Update
The US State Department briefed journalists on recent measures taken to combat post-pandemic visa backlog at consular posts overseas. Some of the measures include the global visa approach, whereby applicants can apply for U.S visas anywhere in the world.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“Applicants can apply anywhere in the world where there’s an appointment available.”
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services, Julie Stufft provided an update to members of the foreign press on the current status of visa processing and services at the U.S Consular sections overseas. The pandemic, no doubt impacted the world’s travel
“Right now the wait time for routine visa appointments at half of our overseas posts is less than four months and at some posts is actually far, far shorter than that.
- Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services -
She however stressed that the State department is viewing the visa workload globally, and that Consular posts worldwide are experiencing a faster recovery than initially expected. She highlighted some of the measures taken to meet visa demands and reduce the backlog. They include:
Waiving in-person interviews;
Upgraded Staffing and ‘doubled consular hiring’;
Remote/Virtual Adjudication processes leading to more visa adjudications ‘this year than in the past six years’;
Expedited visa appointment for business travel, urgent humanitarian or medical travel;
Increased number of visas to Temporary Workers (including agricultural workers) and Student categories;
Global Visa approach where applicants can apply in any U.S consulate, and not necessarily in their country of origin.
“… if an applicant is in a country with a long wait time, that applicant go to another post… and this has really been successful for thousands of visa applicants this year.
- Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services -
What has been your post-pandemic experience at the U.S Consulate in your country?
See transcript here