Applications open for 2026 MultiChoice talent factory programme

Aspiring filmmakers across Africa have been invited to apply for the 2026 intake of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a fully funded training programme aimed at developing the next generation of African directors, producers, scriptwriters and film industry professionals.

Established in 2018, the MultiChoice Talent Factory has grown into one of the continent's leading platforms for nurturing young creative talent and strengthening African storytelling. The programme offers a rigorous nine-month curriculum that blends online learning with hands-on, in-person training at academies based in South Africa, Nairobi in Kenya, Lagos in Nigeria and Lusaka in Zambia. Through this structure, MTF equips participants from at least 14 African countries with practical skills, industry knowledge and access to professional networks.

Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations at MultiChoice Zimbabwe, Gerald Ngonyamo, said the programme continues to present valuable opportunities for Zimbabwean youth and the wider African film sector.

"We are excited at the prospect of more Zimbabweans being selected for 2026," Ngonyamo said. "Since the programme started, Zimbabwe has consistently had at least two students each year and we hope to see this continue."

Ngonyamo said MultiChoice's recent integration into international media group CANAL+ had reinforced the company's commitment to empowering African creatives through initiatives such as MTF.

"Young Africans with a passion for storytelling now have an excellent opportunity to join the movement and give Africa a stronger voice on the global stage," he said.

Participants in the MTF programme benefit from industry-standard training and are given opportunities to produce their own films, which are broadcast on popular television channels including Maisha Magic, Zambezi Magic and Africa Magic, as well as on streaming platforms such as Showmax. Since its launch, the programme has produced more than 40 films and its alumni have gone on to establish over 50 new production companies.

"The impact of MTF on the African film scene is evident," Ngonyamo said. "Many alumni have won or been nominated for major awards such as the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards, Kalasha Awards and Women in Film Awards. Others have participated in international markets and collaborated on projects beyond the continent."

Graduates of the programme often secure employment within the MultiChoice ecosystem or pursue independent production careers, contributing significantly to the growth of Africa's entertainment industry. The accreditation obtained through MTF also enhances their visibility and employability, making them attractive to industry players.

Ngonyamo said the initiative plays a key role in promoting local content development and supporting economic growth.

"MTF is not just about training, it is about fostering a new generation of African filmmakers who tell authentic stories that resonate globally," he said. "This initiative contributes to cultural preservation and greater international recognition for African cinema."

Applications for the 2026 intake close on February 27. Interested candidates can find more information on eligibility and application procedures on the MultiChoice Talent Factory website.

"For aspiring African filmmakers, the fully funded MTF programme could be the first step towards shaping the future of African entertainment and making a lasting mark on the global industry," Ngonyamo said.