One of Africa’s leading 2D, 3D and VFX production companies, AnimaxFYB Studios, has unveiled a major collaboration with Japan’s Arc & Beyond to launch the Taido Project, an innovation-driven initiative aimed at positioning Africa for a stronger share of the fast-growing $300 billion global animation market.

Announcing the project in Lagos, Creative Director of AnimaxFYB Studios, Francis Brown, described Taido as a strategic move to shift animation value, revenue and production capacity back to the continent. He noted that although African creators fuel global demand and contribute billions to the animation ecosystem, the continent retains almost none of the economic benefits.

Brown said: “Africa is already in the animation game, but we are not earning from it. In 2023, the global animation industry made over $300 billion, and Africa contributed about $15.5 billion, yet none of it stayed here because we were only consuming. Taido is here to change that. If $15 billion is generated in Africa, it should stay in Africa because it was created by Africans and consumed by Africans.”

Brown explained that the partnership introduces advanced pipeline engineering, modern production systems and global best practices that will help African studios meet international quality benchmarks and unlock sustainable digital distribution channels.

He added that Japan’s global success, particularly through anime, offers Africa valuable lessons in scale, structure and market penetration.

He added that Taido gives African studios a rare opportunity to retain ownership of their intellectual property while accessing world-class expertise.

Project Leader at Arc & Beyond, Miyuki Kitabatake, said the company, established by Sony to address global social challenges, is turning to Africa’s creative ecosystem to co-develop new forms of animation.

She said: “Japan has fewer animators and our population is declining, but we still need to produce world-class animation. Africa has millions of talented people with unique stories. That is why we are here, to share technical knowledge, market access and production experience.”

Kitabatake stressed that the aim is not to replicate Japanese anime but to ignite a wave of original African content built on technology and global collaboration. “We want to create something new for the world, authentic African stories delivered through strong innovation frameworks and global distribution networks,” she said.

Executive Producer at AnimaxFYB Studios, Ruth Ojougboh, said the partnership is a breakthrough for African creators who often struggle with funding and capacity gaps. She urged African governments to support the sector, noting that many of the continent’s best animators are being poached by foreign studios.

“This opens doors for us in Africa. Our skills will be sharpened, our IPs will remain 100 percent, and we will finally be able to compete globally.