AVIJOZI 2025 Africa’s creative tech revolution with a heart of steel

AVIJOZI 2025 returns on the weekend of 13–14 September as a free-access festival in Johannesburg, showcasing the convergence of film, animation, VFX, gaming, AI and interactive technology under the theme Heart of Steel.

It’s billed as a platform for resilience and human-centred storytelling amid rapid digital disruption.

Nosipho Maketo van den Bragt, Founder & CEO of Chocolate Tribe and Founder & Director of AVIJOZI NPC (Festival), explains the festival’s ethos: “The #HeartOfSteel pumps life into AVIJOZI 2025, where creativity and technology meet.” She underscores the emotional core: “As we navigate tech disruption, human stories with heart and soul must prevail.” And looking ahead, she adds: “I want AVIJOZI to build real pathways—from inspiration to income—for African creatives.”

The festival is rooted in industry data that highlights Africa’s creative tech boom. The continent’s gaming sector reached approximately R31 billion in 2024, growing 12.4% year on year—six times faster than the global average—boosted by 32 million new gamers for a total of 349 million active players, of whom nearly 304 million are mobile enthusiasts (gamesindustryafrica.com, magazine.cgafrica.com). In South Africa alone, game development revenue soared from around R30 million in 2014 to R2.2 billion in 2016.

Animation is similarly on the rise: the Middle East and Africa’s 3D animation market hit roughly R14 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a 13.1% compound annual growth rate through 2030, while South Africa’s domestic animation sector comprises nearly 30 active studios (industryarc.com.

AVIJOZI began in 2021 and launched in 2022 through a partnership with Netflix at the University of Johannesburg. It emerged from Nosipho’s frustration at the lack of a visible stage for local creatives. “Nothing ever happens in Johannesburg in terms of animation and visual effects, so I said I’ll do it,” she recalls—a catalytic decision that sparked a movement.

Over the festival weekend, attendees can expect masterclasses, portfolio reviews, film screenings, game expos, AI roundtables, drone demonstrations, and dedicated networking sessions—all entirely free thanks to sponsorships. Nosipho emphasises inclusivity: “Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, AVIJOZI has something to offer you. We’re committed to keeping it accessible to youth and industry professionals.”

She further highlights the broader mission: “AVIJOZI is about more than showcasing talent—it’s about forging the next generation of industry leaders and economic pathways for Africa’s creative economy.”

AVIJOZI arrives at a pivotal moment, as global co-productions like Disney’s Iwájú and Netflix’s Supa Team 4 spotlight African stories internationally. The festival is a chance to harness that momentum, weaving emerging technologies and storytelling into viable careers and collaborations.

Event details

When: weekend of 13–14 September

Where: Summer Place, Hyde Park, Johannesburg

Cost: Free (registration required via avijozi.zohobackstage.com)

More info: avijozi.com | chocolatetribe.co.za/avijozi‑2025

AVIJOZI 2025 is set not just as a showcase, but as a strategic hub where art, tech, and economic opportunity intersect—driving growth, jobs and visibility for Africa’s creative sector.