The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) will introduce the Herbert Wigwe Awards for Excellence during its 2025 edition, running Nov. 2–8 in Lagos.

The new honor, named for the late, great and very beloved banker and creative economy champion Herbert Wigwe, will recognise African figures making significant contributions to cultural uplift, innovation and sector growth. 

Founder and executive director Chioma Ude describes the initiative as an extension of AFRIFF’s core mission. “Herbert believed in African talent as a global force,” Ude says. “This award is designed to spotlight individuals who are actively shifting the continent forward.”

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah will receive the inaugural awards on AFRIFF’s opening night, acknowledging public-sector leadership in innovation and growth. At closing night, Nigerian technocrat Hakeem Muri-Okunola and actor David Oyelowo will also be celebrated.

The 14th AFRIFF carries the theme “Rhythms of the Continent: The Afrobeats Film Movement.” In addition to screenings, labs and industry conversations, the festival will formally launch the AFRIFF Film and Content Market,  a new business platform intended to connect producers, rights buyers, corporate brands and financiers across Africa and the diaspora.

More than 100 films from Africa and global Black cinema are expected to screen, underscoring AFRIFF’s dual framing as both cultural showcase and commercial engine.

With the Herbert Wigwe Awards now added to the program, Ude positions this edition as a pivot point: a festival that honours legacy,  and also signals what African cinema infrastructure will look like in the years ahead.

Registration and accreditation information is available at afriff.com.