African filmmakers have an opportunity to showcase their projects on MTN One TV, a platform that aims to reach audiences across the continent. The platform made the announcement on September 16, 2026, inviting established African producers and production companies to pitch film and television projects. These projects should be locally rooted but capable of connecting with audiences beyond their home markets.
The pitch opportunity is open across Africa, with a particular focus on audiences in Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Zambia. The platform targets young people aged 18 to 34, as well as mass-market viewers. This is not a call for completed movies to be sent in for immediate broadcast; instead, selected applicants will pitch projects directly to MTN One TV.
Two pitch opportunities are available, with the deadline for the Durban FilmMart pitch being September 28, and applications for the MIP Africa pitch at FAME Week Africa closing on October 5. MTN is looking for limited series, scripted and unscripted series, micro-dramas, and feature films across various genres, including drama, comedy, reality, action, thriller, romance, and animation.
The initiative follows MTN’s launch of One TV in June as part of its expansion into digital entertainment. The platform brings together local storytelling, live channels, and international programming, with viewing models that can include free-to-view content, advertising-funded viewing, pay-as-you-watch access, and subscriptions, depending on the market.
To be eligible, applicants must operate through registered production companies, while lead producers must have at least seven years of professional industry experience and a relevant track record. Submissions must include a pitch deck, synopsis, pilot or relevant episode script, production budget, schedule, financing status, target audience, and rights information.
Nigeria is one of the four priority markets named in the pitch call, giving local production companies another potential route to audiences outside the country. However, the opportunity does not amount to guaranteed funding, as MTN’s published terms state that submitting or pitching a project does not guarantee a commission, investment, licence, acquisition, or development agreement.
Shortlisted projects will be pitched in person at the relevant industry event, with two complimentary Durban FilmMart accreditations available for each shortlisted project. Travel, accommodation, visas, and other attendance costs remain the responsibility of participants. If MTN decides to pursue a project, the commercial terms will be negotiated separately.
Key points
- MTN One TV is targeting young audiences aged 18 to 34 and mass-market viewers across Africa.
- The platform is looking for projects with the potential to reach audiences across the continent, with a focus on Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Zambia.
- The pitch window is open until October, with two pitch opportunities available at the Durban FilmMart and MIP Africa.
