Makemation is a groundbreaking African coming-of-age film set against the backdrop of the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). The film, produced by Toyosi Akerele Ogunsiji—a Nigerian AI developer who has transitioned into filmmaking—offers a unique perspective at a time when discussions of AI are primarily framed by global superpowers. It presents a narrative deeply rooted in African realities, challenging widely held assumptions about technological development.
Following its successful release in Nigerian cinemas in 2025, Makemation is currently making its rounds on the international film circuit. I had the opportunity to attend a screening at Harvard University’s Center for African Studies, which included a discussion featuring Ebehi Iyoha, a producer and economist specializing in AI in Africa. The evening underscored what the film powerfully illustrates: the potential for AI’s future to be envisioned, debated, and crafted on the African continent.
The narrative centers around Zara, a young girl who discovers that AI can serve as a catalyst for not only personal advancement but also community transformation. Throughout her journey, she faces challenges such as poverty, gender bias, and limited educational resources in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Ultimately, her experience symbolizes the transformative power of youth innovation, digital inclusion, and local technology in Africa.
As a scholar in literary and cultural studies, I regard Makemation as a vital contribution that counters the prevailing Western narratives surrounding technology. The film contextualizes AI within the historical frameworks of inequality, aspiration, and resourcefulness that characterize many African communities. It adds to the cultural archives that shape how Africa’s future is envisioned and articulated.
Shaping African Tech Futures
The title “Makemation” cleverly combines “make” with the suffix “-mation,” alluding to concepts like automation, transformation, and imagination. The film compellingly argues that African youth are not merely passive consumers of AI; they are its active creators.
Central to the film’s premise are critical questions: Who will drive the AI revolution? Who stands to benefit? And what does innovation look like in regions facing infrastructural deficits and limited formal employment opportunities, where creativity often arises out of necessity?
Rather than positioning Africa as an afterthought in technological discussions, Makemation challenges the tendency of much of the global AI discourse to focus narrowly on concerns voiced by major tech firms and government entities in the U.S. and China. While these dialogues are important, they frequently overlook the day-to-day realities faced by communities in Africa, where access to electricity, stable internet, and quality education are not guaranteed. Informal yet vibrant, many young people across African cities are already innovating with technology in ways that push the boundaries of what innovation can mean.
Makemation exemplifies this innovative spirit. The film portrays informality not as a deficiency but as a wellspring of creativity. One poignant moment features Zara reflecting, “My father is a welder and my mother sells akhara.” She articulates her belief that education and innovation can create new opportunities, woven into the film’s broader discourse on AI and its connection to everyday labor, family dynamics, and aspirations.
Engaging Africa’s Youth Demographic
The United Nations highlights that Africa possesses one of the youngest populations globally, a demographic reality that holds substantial implications for AI adoption, labor markets, and educational frameworks. The film advocates for inclusive policies and equitable access to digital tools, emphasizing that if properly supported, AI can be molded to align with local priorities rather than being shaped solely by external assumptions.
At the core of Makemation are questions about access and privilege: Who has the resources, both tangible and intangible, to engage in AI development? How many individuals possess the confidence to see themselves as technologists? Zara’s adventure transcends merely mastering coding or winning competitions; it encompasses grappling with gender norms, economic uncertainty, and the psychological obstacles that often deter young African girls from pursuing technology.
Thus, Makemation is as much about building social infrastructure as it is about enhancing digital capabilities. The film emphasizes the significance of mentorship, community initiatives, and accessible role models, presenting these elements not as luxuries but as necessities for fostering innovation. It avoids glorifying adversity, instead portraying how systemic barriers set the parameters for technological possibilities.
Ultimately, Makemation’s excellence lies not only in its thematic depth but also in its cinematic craftsmanship. The film’s close-up camera work and warm color palette create an intimate and reflective atmosphere, while the deliberate pacing allows for a thorough exploration of its narrative.
The film’s most crucial takeaway is that meaningful conversations surrounding AI are not confined to elite spaces. Makemation illustrates that discussions about AI technologies and the opportunities they bring are already occurring in classrooms, community centers, and informal neighborhoods throughout Africa.
