Nigeria, EU Seal €20M Deal to Power Creative Economy Boom

The Nigerian Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy and the European Union on July 12 confirmed a €20 million funding agreement to support museums, festivals, and emerging media—marking a pivotal step in creative industry development.

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In a landmark move to strengthen Nigeria’s thriving creative sector, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy has officially secured a €20 million investment deal with the European Union. Announced on July 12, 2025, the agreement aims to transform Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape, spanning museum revitalization, film industry support, and digital content development.

The funding will flow through the EU-Nigeria Creative Partnership Initiative, a collaborative program designed to scale up Nigeria’s cultural institutions and empower emerging creatives across the country. The deal is set to inject new life into national museums, support the expansion of major film and arts festivals like the AFRIFF and Abuja International Film Festival, and promote digital media projects through startup grants, capacity building, and cross-border co-productions.

Speaking during the joint announcement in Abuja, Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, praised the deal as “a significant vote of confidence in Nigeria’s cultural capital.” She emphasized that the partnership aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes youth empowerment, economic diversification, and global cultural diplomacy.

“This is more than a funding deal—it is a leap forward in how we preserve our heritage while preparing our creatives for global competitiveness in the digital era,” Musawa said.

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, highlighted that the investment also promotes sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly those related to decent work, economic growth, and gender inclusion. According to Isopi, at least 40% of the funds will be channeled toward female-led projects and grassroots cultural initiatives across all six geopolitical zones.

Industry leaders have welcomed the move. Nollywood filmmaker and AFRIFF founder Chioma Ude described the partnership as “a game changer,” noting that consistent funding has long been a bottleneck in the creative ecosystem.

“This is the kind of targeted investment that helps content creators not only tell Nigerian stories but export them with world-class quality,” she added.

The €20 million is expected to be disbursed over a three-year period, with oversight from a joint implementation committee comprising EU delegates, federal ministries, and private sector stakeholders.

As Nigeria continues to position itself as Africa’s creative powerhouse, this EU-backed initiative could serve as a model for future international cultural investments—bridging traditional heritage with tech-driven innovation.

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