The Digital Creator Africa Academy for Microdrama (DCAA) has launched in Lagos, Nigeria, with a focus on training African filmmakers and storytellers in the production of vertical microdrama for global streaming platforms.
Co-founded by creative strategist Ifeoma Areh (pictured) and media professional Elijah Affi, the Academy is structured as a short-form, cohort-based training initiative aimed at experienced filmmakers, videographers, and writers transitioning from traditional horizontal formats to vertical storytelling.
The inaugural programme will train up to 300 participants drawn from across Africa and the African diaspora.
Ahead of its official launch, DCAA conducted a series of industry engagements beginning in September 2025. These included workshops and discussions at events such as the Soweto International Film Festival, The Kingdom Film Festival, and the Africa Creative Market. According to the Academy, these sessions informed the programme design and contributed to early applicant interest.
While African creators have seen success on open platforms such as YouTube and social media, DCAA’s curriculum is designed to address the requirements of premium vertical drama platforms including ReelShort, DramaBox, and ShortMax. Training focuses on format-specific storytelling, production workflows, and commercial considerations for international distribution.
“Our aim is to equip experienced storytellers with the technical and business skills needed to work in the vertical drama space,” said Areh.
The three-week intensive programme is free to selected participants and organised around a studio-style cohort model, in which teams train and graduate together as production units. Training is delivered across six streams including scriptwriting, directing, acting production management, editing and AI-assisted workflows.
The Academy is supported by a group of industry partners including Ingene Studios, Africa Creative Market, TechMedia Foundation, Digital Native Africa, Fourth Mainland Fund, and WildPepper Studios. Faculty includes practitioners with experience in established microdrama markets in China, India, and Western streaming sectors.
Applications are open for the first cohort. Eligible applicants include experienced filmmakers from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, and the African diaspora. Candidates can apply at www.digitalcreatorafrica.academy.
