Written By: Patrick Ochoga
Africa’s creative economy is undergoing one of its most transformative shifts in decades, and at the center of this evolution is Circuits, the continent’s fast-rising pan -African virtual Cinema platform.
More than a streaming service, Circuits is crafting a new economic model one that merges technology, cinema, job creation, and cultural preservation into a unified blueprint for Africa’s future.
In an industry long defined by creative brilliance but weakened by piracy, poor welfare systems, and fragile distribution channels, Circuits is emerging as the first truly African pay-per-view, schedule virtual Cinema platform designed specifically to protect intellectual property and restore financial dignity to those who shaped the continent’s film heritage.
At a recent roundtable with media executives in Lagos, Chief Operating Officer Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni unveiled a wave of groundbreaking initiatives that not only redefine the economics of Nollywood but propose a replicable structure for the broader African creative sector.
Rewriting Welfare History: A Pension For Nollywood Veterans:
One of the platform’s most widely celebrated innovations is the introduction of the Film Veteran’s Film Veteran’s Dignity Fund, the first private-sector, recurring welfare scheme for ageing screen icons in African cinema. Beginning with three industry legends, Chief Pete Edochie, Isiwu Philips (Iya Rainbow) and Chief Lere Paimo, the initiative promises monthly pay for life, as well as comprehensive health insurance.
Bibowei-Osuobeni emphasized that this intervention is not an act of charity but a long-overdue economic correction. For decades, African actors who contributed immeasurably to cultural and cinematic development aged into poverty due to weak contracts, absent royalties, and the devastating impact of piracy.
“This is not charity; it is an economic responsibility,” she said. “The men and women who built Nollywood’s cultural wealth deserve lifetime dignity, not abandonment.”
With additional veterans scheduled to join as partnerships expand, Circuits is leading a cultural shift one where the continent finally recognizes, rewards, and protects its creatives pioneers.
A New Model of Virtual Cinema: Scarcity, Value, and Fair Pay:
Circuits’ virtual cinema design is built on a revolutionary idea: films premiere at specific times, much like a physical cinema. Users pay for a scheduled seat, not unlimited access. This approach:
- Creates scarcity value
- Ensures real-time earnings for filmmakers
- Protects intellectual property
- Restores the anticipation and community spirit of movie-going
With content sourced from Nigeria, Zambia, Uganda, and beyond, the platform is positioning itself as Africa’s first truly pan -African Cinema experience , eliminating geographical barriers while expanding revenue streams for producers.
The limited-release model has already shown strong financial results, giving producers more predictable income and reducing oversaturation of content.
Fighting The Piracy Epidemic Technology:
Perhaps the most aggressive battle Circuits is waging is against piracy long regarded as the creative industry’s most destructive force.
“In one day, we can record 10,000 infringements, and we take down more than 9,900 within minutes,” Bibowei-Osuobeni revealed.
In under a year, the platform removed over one million illegal channels and URLs, demonstrating a technology-backed capability unmatched in much of the continent’s entertainment ecosystem.
By securing digital rights and leveraging automated anti-piracy tools, Circuits is helping creators finally earn what they deserve, restoring economic confidence in the film sector.
Job Creation and State-Level Creative Economies:
Circuits’ vision extends far beyond digital cinema. Through its state-focused creative development programmes, it is helping African governments build sustainable creatives economies.
Ekiti State became the first to invest committing $15 million to Ekiti State Creative Impact Fund, which will train residents, produce state-owned content, and boost state revenue.
Fifteen additional states are already in discussion.
“This is not another government project,” the COO clarified. “It is a commercially anchored system that builds jobs, strengthens state finances, and gives young people paid digital skills.”
The platform’s LaunchPad has already trained more than 1, 600 young Nigerians, with hundreds earning stipends in customer support, digital marketing, technical operations, and content management. The goal is to empower one million youth within 18 months, making Circuits one of Africa’s largest digital-skill engines.
Expand Cinema Access: From Virtual Screens To Community Halls:
This December, 2025 Circuits will roll out an ambitious hybrid model with theatrical partner Blue Pictures, bringing Agesinkole: King of Thieves Part 2 to community cinemas across the South-West. With ticket prices set at N3, 000 outside Lagos and N4, 000 within Lagos, the aim is simple:
Make Cinema Accessible to grassroots families:
This model, alongside free AFCON match streaming to over 100,000 people, is testing mass-market digital behavior while expanding entertainment access in tough economic times.
A Kid’s Corner launches in January, further positioning the platform as a complete family-centric entertainment ecosystem.
The Future: A Creative-Tech-Tourism Super Network:
Bibowei-Osuobeni sees Circuits not merely as a platform but as the foundation for a Continental creative-technology -tourism network. Through partnerships like its digital training initiative with NIHOTOUR, Circuits is merging entertainment technology with tourism, hospitality, and educational sectors.
From job creation to cultural preservation, from intellectual property protection to welfare reform, Circuits is demonstrating that African Cinema future will be digital, data -driven, economically inclusive, and globally competitive.
And at the heart of this transformation is a visionary COO leading Africa’s first true virtual cinema revolution one scheduled screening at a time.
