Nigeria’s animation industry has received an international boost. This comes after Lagos-based studio CR motion+ secured a co-production partnership with Japanese animation giant Toei Animation. Notably, this marks a significant Nigerian animation deal on the global stage.
According to The PUNCH, the collaboration followed the TAIDO African Animation Challenge. This was a six-month talent-development initiative connecting African studios with experienced Japanese animation professionals. This partnership is considered one of the most important Nigerian animation deals in recent years.
The programme was organised by the Japan External Trade Organisation in partnership with Arc & Beyond and other collaborators.
CR motion+ and Ghana’s Animax FYB Studios were selected to receive mentorship while developing original short films.
Toei backs Nigerian project
The completed productions were screened in Tokyo in March and assessed by industry reviewers, highlighting the impact of the Nigerian animation deal for local studios.
Toei Animation, which participated in the review panel, subsequently agreed to invest in and collaborate with CR motion+ on a new short film.
The project will be based on the Nigerian studio’s original title, “Trials of the Spear”.
CR motion+ was established in 2024 as the production arm of Comic Republic. Comic Republic develops African superhero stories and other original intellectual property.
Japan deepens African creative ties
JETRO said the initiative demonstrated the potential for deeper creative and commercial partnerships between Japan and Africa. Moreover, this Nigerian animation deal could pave the way for future cross-continental projects.
“Through initiatives such as the TAIDO Project, TICAD and Super Japan, JETRO has been exploring new models of business collaboration between Japan and Africa,” the organisation said.
It identified Japanese pop culture, particularly animation, as one area capable of driving those partnerships.
JETRO said it intends to continue creating opportunities linking African creators with Japanese companies through mentorship, investment and international production collaborations.
