Mashariki Co-production and Investment Readiness Programme 2026

Developing Investment-Ready East African Stories

Culture and Development East Africa (CDEA), in collaboration with Sanaabiz Investments Limited, through the Mashariki Creative Economy Expo 2026, invites producers from across the East African Community (EAC) to submit film and audiovisual projects for the inaugural Mashariki Co-production and Investment Readiness Programme (MCIRP).

The programme seeks to identify high-potential film and audiovisual projects with strong regional collaboration and market potential, and support their development through co-production partnerships, business matchmaking, and investment-readiness activities.

Selected projects will participate in the Mashariki Co-production and Co-creation Deal Rooms during the Mashariki Creative Economy Expo in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Eligibility & Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be producers who are nationals or residents of an East African Community (EAC) Partner State.
  • Submit projects in feature fiction, documentary, animation, television, or streaming series formats.
  • Demonstrate regional co-production potential involving at least two East African countries, or present a clear strategy for establishing such partnerships.
  • Hold or control the underlying rights to the submitted project.

Projects should be at the development, packaging, or financing stage.

Selected Projects Will Receive

  • Participation in the Mashariki Co-production and Co-creation Deal Rooms.
  • Curated B2B meetings with producers, distributors, broadcasters, investors, and other industry stakeholders.
  • Project development and investment-readiness support.
  • Opportunities to present projects to invited industry and financing partners.
  • Networking opportunities with regional and international market players.

Selection Criteria

Projects will be assessed based on:

  • Artistic quality and originality.
  • Regional co-production potential.
  • Market and audience potential.
  • Readiness for co-production and investment.
  • Feasibility of the proposed co-production structure.

A maximum of 15 projects will be selected.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

  • Completed application form.
  • Project synopsis (maximum two pages).
  • Producer statement.
  • Preliminary financing and co-production strategy.
  • Evidence of rights ownership.
  • Director's note (where applicable).

Who can Apply?

We welcome producers from EAC Partner States with project in:

  • Feature Films
  • Documentaries
  • Animation
  • Television Series
  • Streaming Series

Projects should be at the development, packaging, or financing stage and demonstrate strong co-production potential across East Africa.

Travel & Accommodation Support

Selected projects will be eligible for travel and accommodation bursaries to attend the Mashariki Creative Economy Expo. Priority will be given to projects demonstrating strong regional co-production potential, including projects involving producers, talent, stories, locations, financing, or partnerships from two or more East African Community Partner States.

Important Information

Participation in the Mashariki Co-production and Investment Readiness Programme does not constitute an offer, commitment, or guarantee of financing, distribution, commissioning, or investment. The programme is designed to facilitate partnerships and strengthen the investment readiness of selected projects. Any future commercial arrangements shall be subject to independent negotiations and due diligence by participating parties.

Submission Portal:

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Submission Portal:

July 15, 2026