When Mo Abudu walks into a room, she brings more than presence — she brings purpose. Known globally as a trailblazing media mogul and unapologetic champion of African storytelling, Abudu has spent the last two decades redefining what’s possible for African creatives. From the launch of Africa’s first syndicated daily talk show, Moments with Mo, to founding the influential EbonyLife Group, her journey has not only made headlines — it has shaped cultural movements across continents. Now, as she steps into a bold new chapter, Mo Abudu is unveiling three transformative initiatives that are set to rewire the future of the African creative economy: EbonyLife Place London — the diaspora’s first African film and culture hub; the Afro Film Fund, a $50 million investment platform designed to back globally relevant African stories; and EbonyLife ON + Club, a next-generation OTT and lifestyle platform for African voices. Each project is a deliberate act of reclamation and expansion of space, voice, and narrative power. With authenticity, resilience, and clarity of purpose at her core, Mo Abudu has nurtured and inspired the next generation of talents and creatives through her works and platforms and has built an ecosystem that goes far beyond just producing contents. It is no surprise that her international groundbreaking partnerships have redefined African narratives on the world stage. In this interview with THISDAY, the CEO of EbonyLife Group, reflects on her remarkable career journey that brought her where she is today, the faith that fuels her, and the mission that drives her, which is to place African stories and creators at the heart of the global cultural economy. For the next generation of African creatives, Mo Abudu is not just a mentor; she’s a mirror of what’s possible. Ferdinand Ekechukwu brings the excerpts:
You’ve had a remarkably impressive career, culminating in notable accomplishments. How does it feel when you look back at your journey?
My journey has been humbling, rewarding, and deeply purpose-driven. I started as a Human Resources Consultant in the United Kingdom and returned to Nigeria just before I turned 30. That move sparked a new chapter — first as head of Human Resources and Administration at ExxonMobil for a decade, then I set up Vic Lawrence and Associates, a management and HR consulting practice, and then moved into hospitality with the launch of the Protea Hotel Oakwood Park, and then in media with Moments with Mo, Africa’s first daily syndicated talk show. Then came EbonyLife TV, EbonyLife Films, EbonyLife Creative Place, and the EbonyLife Creative Academy. Since then, I’ve built a body of work that has shaped culture, opened doors, and inspired new possibilities. Today, I’m incredibly excited about the next chapter — three transformational initiatives that we’re preparing to unveil in the coming months: EbonyLife Place London, our flagship African cinema and cultural hub in the diaspora; the Afro Film Fund, a $50 million initiative to finance globally relevant African stories, and EbonyLife ON + Club, a bold new over-the-top (OTT) and lifestyle platform designed to connect and amplify African voices globally. These aren’t just plans — they are actively being developed with great enthusiasm and intention. I may not always know where the strength comes from, but I truly believe that when you’re aligned with your God-given purpose, it fuels everything. That purpose is what continues to guide me.
From talk shows to film production, you’ve worn many hats. Which role has challenged you the most, and why?
Right now, the most demanding and exhilarating challenge is overseeing the launch of three major initiatives simultaneously: EbonyLife Place London, the Afro Film Fund, and EbonyLife ON + Club. These projects are each significant in scope and impact — and I’m driving them while continuing to lead the day-to-day operations of the EbonyLife Group as CEO. It’s intense, yes—but deeply fulfilling. These projects represent the next evolution of our mission to elevate African storytelling and innovation globally.
EbonyLife has become a powerhouse in African media. What was the turning point that cemented its success?
The true turning point has been the vision and development of EbonyLife Place London, the Afro Film Fund, and EbonyLife ON + Club. These three pillars mark a new era of transformation — not just for EbonyLife, but for African storytelling and cultural commerce globally. And I must also mention the joy of launching The Afrobeat Restaurant in Lagos. It has been an honour, not a challenge, to bring this vision to life—the first of its kind in the world—celebrating a genre that is shaping global culture and proudly rooted in Nigeria.
You’ve been called “Africa’s Oprah” — how do you personally define your mission in African storytelling?
My mission is about flipping the script—on every level. That means capacity building through training at the EbonyLife Creative Academy; funding via the Afro Film Fund; film production and distribution through EbonyLife Media; global reach with the soon-to-launch EbonyLife ON + Club; and immersive cultural spaces like EbonyLife Place London—the first African cinema in the diaspora. It’s a lot—but it’s also an incredibly exciting space to be in. We’re not just creating stories—we’re building a movement and a platform for Africa’s creative economy to thrive globally.
You recently announced the launch of ‘Naija Creates.’ Can you put us up to date on what it’s all about?
‘Naija Creates’ is a visionary platform designed to showcase Nigeria’s creative brilliance across all pillars—film, fashion, music, art, cuisine, and innovation. We begin with the launch of EbonyLife Place London, a vibrant hub located on Wandsworth Road that will serve as the cultural heartbeat of the diaspora. This space will include: EbonyLife Cinemas – the UK’s first African film-dedicated cinema; rotating art exhibitions showcasing African visual artists; fashion retail featuring curated African designers; live musical performances and spoken word; stage plays and theatre productions; the launch of The Afrobeat restaurant in London, the first in the United Kingdom, master classes, workshops, and networking events led by top creative and business minds. It’s not just a venue—it’s a cultural and economic statement about who we are and where we’re going.
Lagos Canvas and the Afro Film Fund are part of your broader vision. Talk to us about them?
Lagos Canvas was created to spotlight the four foundational pillars of our creative economy: film, fashion, music, and art. The first two editions were hosted at the residence of the US Consul General and the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos—both incredible platforms to celebrate Lagos-based visionaries. The Afro Film Fund is one of the most ambitious and exciting initiatives of my career. It’s a $50 million investment fund designed to support a new generation of African filmmakers, financing films that are not only bold and culturally grounded, but built to succeed internationally. It’s about access, ownership, and global cultural impact.
How supportive is the government, and how does this blueprint harness talent?
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been an incredible supporter of our work, especially through his continued commitment to the EbonyLife Creative Academy. Thanks to his administration, hundreds of emerging filmmakers have been trained for free, with world-class instruction and equipment. As announced at the launch of the Afrobeat Restaurant a few weeks ago, the Commissioner also mentioned our feature film project – working title – “ The Dreamer” – the story of an up-and-coming Afrobeat Star. Our blueprint is clear and actionable: Train the talent → Finance their vision → distribute their content → and showcase their work through platforms like EbonyLife Place Lagos, EbonyLife Place London, and soon EbonyLife ON + Club. We are building a cycle of opportunity that is sustainable, scalable, and deeply impactful.
The Nigerian creative industry faces hurdles. What policy changes or investments are critical for growth?
We urgently need a national creative industries policy that supports long-term growth; investment in physical and digital infrastructure — cinemas, soundstages, OTT platforms; public-private partnerships that unlock financing for creatives; blended funding tools—grants, equity, and low-interest loans; strong IP protections and distribution frameworks to secure earnings, and government must treat creativity as a core pillar of national development—because it is.
With the industry projected to boost Nigeria’s GDP, how would you ensure inclusivity and global expansion?
Global expansion starts with scaling our local industries — so distribution is critical. We must create more platforms to export our content and products, and we must invest in global collaborations that put our creatives side by side with international counterparts. We also need to co-invest in our global projects. We can’t rely solely on international funding; we must be part of the value chain—controlling narrative, revenue, and visibility. Inclusivity means ensuring that creatives from every corner of Nigeria have access to these pipelines—and the chance to thrive on the world stage.
How do these platforms help position Nigeria’s creative industries globally?
They work together as a complete creative ecosystem. From training and financing, to producing and distributing, to experiential showcasing, these platforms elevate Nigeria from being a content-rich country to a globally integrated creative economy. We are not just exporting stories—we are exporting talent, technology, creativity, and cultural capital. These platforms build careers, attract investment, and shape perceptions worldwide.
You’ve mentored many creatives. What do you look for in talent?
I look for authenticity, resilience, and clarity of purpose. Creativity is important, but what truly stands out is someone who has a vision and the perseverance to see it through. The creatives I gravitate toward are not only gifted but also disciplined, open to learning, and committed to personal and professional growth. At EbonyLife, we support talent in a holistic way. From EbonyLife Media, which creates compelling African content for global audiences, to the EbonyLife Creative Academy, where we provide world-class training, to the Afro Film Fund, which will finance bold African stories, and EbonyLife Place, which showcases our culture and creativity—we’ve built an ecosystem that goes far beyond just producing content. What excites me the most right now are the three transformational initiatives we are preparing to launch in the coming months: EbonyLife Place London; the Afro Film Fund; and EbonyLife ON + Club. These projects will create new pathways for emerging talent—not just to be seen, but to thrive on a global stage.
These platforms have united creatives, investors, and policymakers… what is your expectation?
My expectation is action and results. We must move beyond conversations and announcements. I want to see films green lit, platforms launched, talent employed, content exported, and communities transformed. When we connect creatives with investors and policy-makers, we unlock a powerful engine. Now it’s time to deliver and track the outcomes—to build systems that sustain impact beyond headlines.
What are your hopes for the next generation of African creatives?
I hope they understand that creativity is not just art—it’s business, influence, and power. I want them to be bold, strategic, and unafraid to claim space in every part of the value chain. To tell stories, yes—but also to own platforms, build brands, and negotiate from a place of value. The next generation must lead the charge — not just in Africa, but globally. They have the talent, the tools, and now, the platforms. I hope they use them with courage, clarity, and purpose.
What’s next for Mo Abudu with regards to your upcoming projects?
Everything right now is centred on launching three major initiatives: EbonyLife Place London – our flagship venue for African culture in the diaspora; the Afro Film Fund – a $50 million financing engine for African filmmakers, and EbonyLife ON + Club – a global OTT and lifestyle community platform. These three projects will drive everything I do for the next season—connecting creativity, culture, and commerce in powerful new ways.
Why is telling African stories globally so crucial to you?
Because storytelling is how we define our identity and our value. When others tell our stories, they shape how the world sees us. When we tell our own, we reclaim that power. We’re building platforms to support that mission: EbonyLife Media; EbonyLife Creative Academy; the Afro Film Fund; EbonyLife Place and EbonyLife ON + Club. I’ve been deeply honoured to be recognised for this work—named one of Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women in the World for four consecutive years, a TIME100 honoree in 2025, and one of the Hollywood Reporter’s most powerful women in international film and entertainment. These honours are not just about me — they show that the world is seeing African excellence. But to be seen is not enough — we must also be valued and monetised. That is my mission. And none of it would be possible without the brilliant team at the EbonyLife Group. Together, we are building a legacy rooted in creativity, equality, and impact.
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