Written by: Cypress Ghana TV
Juliet Ibrahim, alongside leading actors and creatives from across Africa, came together in Johannesburg for a groundbreaking Pan-African Actors Roundtable hosted by the Actors Guild of Nigeria in partnership with the South African Guild of Actors.
This important gathering focused on real issues affecting African actors today: royalties, residuals, fair compensation, proper documentation, and collective bargaining. For the first time, actors from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, and more sat down to have honest, solution-driven conversations that aim to protect the rights of actors and improve working conditions across the board.
“This Roundtable marks a turning point for Africa’s film and entertainment industry,” said Juliet Ibrahim, President of Women in Film, Television and Media Ghana and Director of Pan-African Actors Relations for Actors Guild of Nigeria. “We are giving African actors the tools and knowledge to demand what they’re worth, while laying the foundation for a stronger, more united industry that can stand tall on the global stage.”
The event didn’t just spark conversations, it created real connection and solidarity among African actors. Many participants realized they are facing the same challenges in different countries. That shared experience is already building a stronger bond between industries and opening the door for more co-productions and partnerships across the continent.
“As someone who has worked across Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and beyond, I truly believe more collaborations are coming,” Juliet added. “We’re seeing the power of coming together to tell African stories as one voice.”
Unity was a key theme throughout the discussions. While it hasn’t always been easy in industries like Nollywood or the Ghanaian film sector, actors are beginning to understand the importance of standing together, especially when it comes to fair pay, safe working environments, and professional recognition.
The Roundtable also called attention to the urgent need for actor classification systems, clear frameworks that define experience levels and ensure fair salaries. Each country’s actors’ guild or union will be responsible for creating transparent criteria, based on training, experience, awards, and professional achievements. This structure will help bring fairness and clarity to how actors are paid and promoted.
Juliet Ibrahim shared her reflections in an Instagram post after the event:
“What an inspiring and purposeful time in Johannesburg! We tackled important issues we’ve needed to talk about for a long time, and I’m proud to be part of this movement toward real, lasting change. Unity among African actors isn’t just possible—it’s necessary. Together, we are setting new standards, breaking old cycles, and making space for every African actor to thrive—regardless of where they come from.”
This Roundtable is just the beginning of a bigger movement, one that promises to uplift African actors, strengthen ties between film industries, and ensure a better future for generations to come.
