The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has announced that investors, content creators, and entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s creative sector are beginning to reap the rewards of key economic partnerships and policy reforms.
Aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy, the ministry has forged strategic partnerships to drive growth, boost cultural diplomacy, and increase the creative sector’s GDP contribution.
$200 Million Afrexim Bank Partnership for Creative Sector Funding
One of the most notable achievements is a $200 million financing facility with Afrexim Bank, set to begin full operations by mid-2025. This initiative will provide crucial funding for filmmakers, digital innovators, and creative entrepreneurs, enabling them to scale their ventures, create jobs, and expand globally.
Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP)
The Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP), developed with Lebara Nigeria, will provide:
Equitable loans and digital financing for creatives.
Affordable internet access to support seamless digital participation.
Enhanced financial services for inbound tourists, including eSIM activation.
Workforce Development Through E-Learning and Security Measures
To strengthen Nigeria’s creative workforce, the ministry has partnered with Alison, a global e-learning platform, to integrate its Learning Management System (LMS) into CLAP. This will give Nigerian creatives access to courses in digital media, gaming, music production, and cinematography, positioning the country as a global creative hub.
Additionally, in partnership with Prembly, the ministry has introduced advanced Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance, and fraud prevention measures to ensure financial security within the creative sector.
Boosting Digital Storytelling & Content Creation
To empower digital creatives, the government has launched the Content Creators Challenge in partnership with TelAirVision. This initiative provides:
Funding and mentorship for digital creators.
Support for transitioning from short-form to full-length productions.
Expanded opportunities for Nigerian talent on the global stage.
Tax Incentives and Foreign Investment in the Creative Sector
To attract investment, the ministry has partnered with the Presidential Tax Committee to introduce tax incentives and credits, making Nigeria’s creative industry more appealing to foreign investors.
Cultural Villages and Infrastructure Development
At the grassroots level, the government is working with state governments to establish Renewed Hope Cultural Villages across Nigeria and the FCT. These villages will:
Preserve historic sites.
Promote local festivals.
Create employment opportunities in tourism and creative industries.
Additionally, a partnership with Cavista Holdings focuses on:
Developing tourism infrastructure.
Digitizing tourism experiences.
Investing in human capital development.
Strengthening International Collaborations
Beyond local initiatives, the ministry is expanding international partnerships to elevate Nigeria’s creative and cultural economy. Key collaborations include:
British Council Partnership
A landmark agreement with the British Council focuses on:
Skills development.
Cultural exchanges.
Strengthening Nigeria’s creative sector.
Global Best Practices with Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
The ministry has engaged Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to study best practices from South Korea, Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, and China. These insights will help Nigeria develop policies that maximize the creative economy’s GDP contribution.
Brazil & France Collaborations
A strategic agreement with Brazil includes:
Renovating Casa da Nigeria in Salvador.
Co-productions in film and music.
Promoting cultural exchange.
A partnership with France provides:
Access to French markets for Nigerian creatives.
Specialized training in fashion, gaming, and cinema.
Enhancing Nigeria’s Tourism Experience
To improve the tourist experience, the government is collaborating with Wakanow to introduce cultural desks at international airports featuring:
Live performances.
Curated exhibitions.
Digital travel solutions.
Capacity Building and Job Creation Initiatives
Recognizing the need for skills development, the ministry partnered with Lens For Good to launch capacity-building programs that equip young entrepreneurs with essential skills for success in the creative and tourism industries.
One of the most ambitious projects is the Nigeria Destinations 2030 Initiative, which aims to create 2 million jobs in Nigeria’s creative economy by 2030.
Conclusion
Through these strategic initiatives, Nigeria’s creative and tourism sectors are poised for rapid expansion, creating jobs, attracting investment, and positioning the country as a global cultural powerhouse.
