The information is contained in a publication on "The African Film Industry: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for Growth", published yesterday.
According to the publication, the film industry can also contribute to the creation of more than 20 million jobs on the continent.
Currently about 5 million people are involved in the industry that accounts for $5 billion of the annual GDP across Africa.
According to the document, the industry's potential remains untapped, despite significant production growth. Nigeria, for example, releases about 2,500 films a year.
With affordable digital film equipment and new online platforms that allow direct distribution to consumers, a new economy for content creators is emerging, says the study.
The document also states that Africa has only one movie screen per 787,402 people, making the continent underserved in terms of cinemas.
Another challenge is dealing with piracy. Although precise data is not available, the report estimates that the problem affects between half and 75% of the film and audiovisual industries' revenue.
The data also show that only 19 out of 54 African countries offer financial support to filmmakers. The total corresponds to 35% of the continent's nations providing this type of stimulus.
Persistent Challenges
The study also identifies persistent challenges, such as freedom of expression. Industry-related professions in 47 countries reported experiencing limitations, which can affect creative work. There are also challenges in education, training and internet connection, affecting Africa's film and audiovisual industries.
One of the study's objectives is to help the film industry and decision-makers assess the current scenario and strategically plan for the sector's growth.
UNESCO's Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, calls for reflection on the importance of "strengthening international cooperation to enable all countries, particularly developing ones, promote cultural and creative industries. And that they are viable and competitive both nationally and internationally."
Audrey Azoulay said the goal is to reaffirm that "films are indeed public goods requiring support and investment to ensure equal access to creation, production, distribution, dissemination and consumption."
The study we have been quoting from was launched on Tuesday in Paris as part of the African Film Week.