Vice-President Kashim Shettima has challenged African nations to convert their growing global cultural influence into sustainable economic wealth.
Speaking on Thursday at the opening of the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Weekend 2026 at the National Theatre in Lagos, Shettima emphasized that the continent must move beyond celebrating artistic achievements to building structured industries that generate jobs, attract investment, and expand cross-border trade.
“In 1977, we came to celebrate our culture. Today, we have come to capitalise on it by turning the world’s applause into contracts and its admiration into markets,” Shettima stated, referencing the historic FESTAC ’77 event held at the same venue.
He outlined the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening intellectual property rights, widening access to capital, and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to position creativity as a mainstream trade sector.
Shettima commended the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) for committing $2 billion to Africa’s creative industries through 2027, noting that the investment demonstrates the strategic economic weight of the sector. He added that the Lagos event would help lay the groundwork for the fifth Intra-African Trade Fair scheduled for 2027.
Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted the state’s central role as Africa’s creative hub, while Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole affirmed that policy frameworks are being prioritized to ensure local creators retain greater commercial value from their work globally.
