Africa’s creative industries are set to take center stage as NECLive returns for its 13th edition from November 28-30, 2025 in Lagos. The landmark conference, organized by BHM and ID Africa, will adopt a new multi-venue format at the prestigious Landmark Centre under the theme “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.”
A Decade of Impact
Since 2013, NECLive has become West Africa’s premier creative industry platform, achieving:
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500+ expert speakers
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100,000+ physical attendees
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100 million+ global audience reach
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1,000+ deals facilitated
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Coverage across 50+ countries
Africa’s Creative Boom
The conference comes at a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s creative sector:
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Nollywood now ranks as world’s 2nd largest film industry
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Afrobeats dominates global charts and stages
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Sector contributes $4.2 billion (2.3% of Nigeria’s GDP)
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Growing international recognition (Grammys, sold-out arenas)
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite success stories, key hurdles remain:
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Infrastructure gaps
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Funding limitations
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Weak IP protection
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Talent drain to foreign markets
Yet the potential is enormous – Africa could capture more of the $2.25 trillion global creative economy through:
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Strategic investments
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Technology adoption
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Policy reforms
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Youth empowerment
What to Expect in 2025
The expanded format will feature:
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Global industry leaders and diaspora voices
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Policymakers and investors
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Corporate brands and emerging talent
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Practical solutions for scaling creative businesses
“We’re at a turning point,” says founder Ayeni Adekunle. “Now we must build the infrastructure and policies to transform this cultural momentum into lasting economic power.”
The conference invites sponsors, speakers, exhibitors and volunteers to join this critical conversation about Africa’s creative future.
