British Council and Federal Government Champion Creative Industry Growth at Creative Economy Week 2025
Nigeria’s creative industry received a major boost this week as the British Council, in collaboration with the Federal Government and key partners, hosted the Creative Economy Week 2025, a week-long series of events designed to harness talent, foster innovation, and drive socio-economic growth.
The initiative, held across five cities—Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu—aims to reposition the creative industry as a central driver of economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness. The programme will climax with a landmark London showcase on October 11, spotlighting Nigerian creativity on the global stage.
Speaking during the Lagos event, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, stressed the immense opportunities in partnerships between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. She highlighted capacity-building, skills exchange, and cross-cultural collaboration as tools that would accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy.
“The creative industry in the United Kingdom is very developed. We believe we can also have a thriving creative industry. The government has stepped in to facilitate this essential handshake. With collaboration with the United Kingdom, Nigeria’s creative sector will further thrive. And beyond that, there are a lot of skills,” Musawa said.
She noted that Nigeria is abundant in raw talent and creativity but needs structured support systems to fully unleash its potential. “With the right training and support, Nigeria’s creative sector can not only thrive but also contribute significantly to job creation and economic development,” the minister added.
The Creative Economy Week brought together artists, entrepreneurs, cultural hubs, investors, policymakers, and international partners in a variety of sessions, workshops, and showcases. Discussions covered themes such as digital storytelling, the role of music in market expansion, and creative technology. Special attention was also given to women in film through the Women in Film Conference, as well as financing opportunities at the Africa Film Finance Forum (AFFF).
In addition, masterclasses were held on intellectual property in the film industry, small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneurship, and professional practice management—all aimed at equipping practitioners with the tools to compete in a global creative economy.
The British Council described the initiative as part of a long-term vision to spotlight creativity and culture as catalysts for inclusive economic growth, youth empowerment, and stronger global connections.
By bridging local talent with international networks, the Creative Economy Week 2025 is already being hailed as a milestone for Nigeria’s creative sector, setting the stage for new opportunities, expanded markets, and stronger cultural diplomacy.
