Actress, writer, and producer Azie Tesfai delivered an impassioned speech at this year’s AFRICON Global regarding the investment in African creatives and storytelling via real voices in Atlanta, Georgia. Speaking with journalist Fatima Sesay of Inside The Diaspora, Tesfai emphasized the need to empower African artists, writers, directors, and actors as part of a larger movement to reclaim narrative ownership and build sustainable creative ecosystems across the continent and diaspora.

“I think the nuance of investing in our creatives as well as our stories — so that we’re actually using African artists, writers, directors, and actors — that’s the most important part,” Tesfai said during her interview. “It feels like there’s this powerful energy of collaboration and connection, and so many people are ready to work together to make things happen.”

Celebrating Collaboration, and Cultural Empowerment

Tesfai was part of an all-women panel hosted by Sierra Leonean Strategy and Brand Marketing Manager (BET) Jemilah Alghali, that highlighted the rising influence of African creatives in the global film and media landscape. The conversation focused on representation, “financing stories that shape Africa’s global image,” and teamwork across continents — with Tesfai expressing how inspired and empowered she felt by her fellow panelists (Mabel Ndagi, Laveille Lavette, and Akunna Cook).

“It was super inspiring,” she shared. “I learned a lot of wisdom from my fellow panelists. It’s rare to sit on a panel where you both teach and learn in equal measure.”

The event in attracted artists, investors, executives, and creatives from both Africa and the diaspora, aiming to strengthen networks, drive investment, and boost the visibility of African talent in the global media arena.

Changing the Global Narrative Through Ownership

Tesfai’s comments reflected a growing belief in Africa’s creative sectors — that genuine storytelling needs both financial backing and structural inclusion. From film to music to fashion, African creators are advocating for a system that not only honors their narratives but also funds and showcases them on their terms.

“There’s so many people that want it, have the same outcome — in my case, making sure African stories are told but from all different sides, whether it’s creatives from the financial institutions behind the scenes,” Tesfai noted. “So it feels like we’re being brought together to make stuff happen which is exciting.”

Watch the Full Interview

🎥 Catch Azie Tesfai’s full conversation with Fatima Sesay on “Inside The Diaspora” available now on YouTube.

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Inside The Diaspora: Elevating Voices Across Continents

Inside The Diaspora, hosted by Fatima Sesay, continues to serve as a platform amplifying African and diaspora voices who are redefining global culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The interview with Tesfai is part of an ongoing series featuring thought leaders and changemakers driving conversations around identity, representation, and empowerment.

About AFRICON

AFRICON is an annual multi-day conference that celebrates African innovation, culture, and collaboration. The 2025 edition brought together leaders from film, technology, fashion, and finance to explore opportunities for partnerships across continents and engage with the diaspora.

Azie Tesfai, AFRICON Global 2025, African storytelling, Inside The Diaspora, Fatima Sesay, women in film, African creatives, diaspora collaboration, cultural investment, African cinema, empowerment, representation.

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