Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on financiers and investment institutions to offer early funding to creative businesses across Africa. He pointed out that the sector holds immense potential to build major international companies, generate employment, and support economic development across the continent.
Shettima made this appeal during the opening of the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend 2026 held in Lagos, according to Punch. The gathering brought together state officials, corporate investors, and creative industry practitioners to discuss commercial opportunities and funding structures for the sector.
Addressing participants, the Vice President stated that the next major international creative firms will originate from Africa, urging investors to back these talents early. He also encouraged practitioners in the creative space to turn their global acclaim into tangible financial partnerships, distribution networks, and signed investment deals rather than settling only for applause.
Shettima explained that the Federal Government considers creativity a formal trade sector. To support this vision, he said authorities are working to strengthen intellectual property rights, improve access to capital, and boost continental exchange under the African Continental Free Trade Area. He also commended the African Export-Import Bank for committing $540m to the sector.
Speaking at the same event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, stated that the Federal Government is making over $600m available to digital and creative firms through the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises programme. She noted that Nigeria approved its national intellectual property policy in November 2025 and later presented a creative sector investment guide at the World Economic Forum in January 2026.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also spoke at the gathering, describing creative output as a serious export rather than a pastime. He highlighted the state's spending on arts facilities, theatres, and cultural initiatives, urging creators to safeguard their work through formal registration and fair pricing.
