emirates7 - The Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) 2025 hosted a compelling roundtable titled “Animation in MENA & Africa: Opportunities & Challenges”, where prominent figures from the region’s animation landscape shared insights into the industry's trajectory and hurdles.
The panel featured Zümrüt Pakoy, MENA Programming and Presentation Director at Warner Bros Discovery; Abdulaziz Othman, CEO of ZEEZ Animation (Saudi Arabia); Tariq Ali, Founder of Egypt-based ZANAD; Raymond Malinga, CEO of Uganda’s Creatures Animation Studio; and Damilola Solesi, Creative Director and CEO of Nigeria’s Smids Animation Studios.
Opening the session, Zümrüt Pakoy provided a global overview, noting the increasing appetite for diverse content worldwide. She emphasized the careful balance required when developing content for young audiences, stating, “For Cartoonito and Cartoon Network, compelling, intelligent storytelling is essential.” She also pointed out that diversity and inclusion are key pillars of their programming ethos.
With the rise of streaming platforms broadening children's exposure to animated content, Pakoy underscored the moral obligation of creators to produce content that both entertains and authentically reflects global cultures. She praised Warner Bros' global platform as a means of elevating regional voices but warned that cultural authenticity must not be sacrificed in pursuit of widespread appeal.
Abdulaziz Othman addressed the persistent issues of funding and content commissioning in the region. Highlighting the enduring popularity of classic animated series, he noted, “Animation has longevity, and we’re competing on a global scale.” He advocated for structural support mechanisms—such as grants, professional unions, and institutional collaborations—to build a robust and sustainable industry. Reflecting on ZEEZ’s evolution from grassroots beginnings to acclaimed productions like Nayerat, Othman emphasized that collective effort is essential for meaningful progress.
Tariq Ali brought a historical lens to the discussion, drawing on Egypt’s rich cinematic heritage. “Egypt has had a strong film tradition for decades; animation is our next frontier,” he said. He stressed the importance of creating original intellectual property across platforms, celebrating the depth of local talent. “We have the skills and creativity. Now we need to believe in our ability to tell our own stories,” he added, positioning ZANAD as a link between Egypt’s past and its animated future.
Raymond Malinga, CEO of Uganda’s Creatures Animation Studio, passionately spoke about the transformative impact of culturally rooted storytelling. Despite leading a compact 12-person team, Malinga has made international waves, most notably through his work on Herderboy and the Disney+ anthology Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire. These projects, he noted, are changing perceptions of what’s possible in Uganda’s fledgling animation industry. “When young people see characters who look like them and speak their languages, it reshapes their aspirations,” he explained.
Damilola Solesi, a pioneer in Nigeria’s animation scene with over 15 years of experience, highlighted the dynamic energy of Nigeria’s youth. “We have a young, tech-savvy population bursting with creativity,” she said, pointing out that while support and funding remain scarce, the potential is vast. She underscored the critical role of education and mentorship in nurturing talent, lamenting the lack of institutional backing. Through her studio, Solesi addresses this gap by providing hands-on training and mentorship, empowering the next generation to actively participate in building Africa’s animation future.
The panel featured Zümrüt Pakoy, MENA Programming and Presentation Director at Warner Bros Discovery; Abdulaziz Othman, CEO of ZEEZ Animation (Saudi Arabia); Tariq Ali, Founder of Egypt-based ZANAD; Raymond Malinga, CEO of Uganda’s Creatures Animation Studio; and Damilola Solesi, Creative Director and CEO of Nigeria’s Smids Animation Studios.
Opening the session, Zümrüt Pakoy provided a global overview, noting the increasing appetite for diverse content worldwide. She emphasized the careful balance required when developing content for young audiences, stating, “For Cartoonito and Cartoon Network, compelling, intelligent storytelling is essential.” She also pointed out that diversity and inclusion are key pillars of their programming ethos.
With the rise of streaming platforms broadening children's exposure to animated content, Pakoy underscored the moral obligation of creators to produce content that both entertains and authentically reflects global cultures. She praised Warner Bros' global platform as a means of elevating regional voices but warned that cultural authenticity must not be sacrificed in pursuit of widespread appeal.
Abdulaziz Othman addressed the persistent issues of funding and content commissioning in the region. Highlighting the enduring popularity of classic animated series, he noted, “Animation has longevity, and we’re competing on a global scale.” He advocated for structural support mechanisms—such as grants, professional unions, and institutional collaborations—to build a robust and sustainable industry. Reflecting on ZEEZ’s evolution from grassroots beginnings to acclaimed productions like Nayerat, Othman emphasized that collective effort is essential for meaningful progress.
Tariq Ali brought a historical lens to the discussion, drawing on Egypt’s rich cinematic heritage. “Egypt has had a strong film tradition for decades; animation is our next frontier,” he said. He stressed the importance of creating original intellectual property across platforms, celebrating the depth of local talent. “We have the skills and creativity. Now we need to believe in our ability to tell our own stories,” he added, positioning ZANAD as a link between Egypt’s past and its animated future.
Raymond Malinga, CEO of Uganda’s Creatures Animation Studio, passionately spoke about the transformative impact of culturally rooted storytelling. Despite leading a compact 12-person team, Malinga has made international waves, most notably through his work on Herderboy and the Disney+ anthology Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire. These projects, he noted, are changing perceptions of what’s possible in Uganda’s fledgling animation industry. “When young people see characters who look like them and speak their languages, it reshapes their aspirations,” he explained.
Damilola Solesi, a pioneer in Nigeria’s animation scene with over 15 years of experience, highlighted the dynamic energy of Nigeria’s youth. “We have a young, tech-savvy population bursting with creativity,” she said, pointing out that while support and funding remain scarce, the potential is vast. She underscored the critical role of education and mentorship in nurturing talent, lamenting the lack of institutional backing. Through her studio, Solesi addresses this gap by providing hands-on training and mentorship, empowering the next generation to actively participate in building Africa’s animation future.