By Suara Sherif
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged investors and financial institutions to provide early funding for African creative businesses, predicting that the sector will produce the next generation of major global companies.
Speaking at the opening of the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend 2026 in Lagos, Shettima framed the creative industry as a critical economic driver rather than mere entertainment. “The next great global creative companies will come from Africa. Back them early, and back them here,” he told the gathering of government officials, investors and industry professionals.
Beyond securing capital, the Vice President challenged African creatives to convert their international recognition into commercial agreements. “Do not leave Lagos with memories alone; leave with a signed term sheet, a distribution deal, a buyer’s handshake. The world is ready to pay for what you make,” he said.
He noted that the Federal Government was strengthening intellectual property protection, expanding financing opportunities and promoting regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area. “Creativity is now a trade sector, and we intend to treat it as one,” he declared.
Reinforcing the government’s financial commitment, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, disclosed that over $600m in financing is being unlocked for digital and creative enterprises through the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises programme. Oduwole also highlighted the approval of Nigeria’s first national intellectual property policy in November 2025.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu echoed the economic significance of the sector, noting its capacity for youth employment and export earnings. “Your talent is not just a hobby any longer. It is indeed an export,” he told entrepreneurs, while urging creators to register and protect their work to ensure global demand translates into tangible earnings.
