Nigeria Urges African Nations to Turn Creative Talent into Economic Opportunities
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for stronger investment in Africa’s creative industries, urging governments to build sustainable businesses and expand the international market for African cultural products.
Abuja,Nigeria — Africa’s growing influence in global entertainment and culture should translate into greater economic opportunities for its people, Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has said.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Creative Arts Nexus (CANEX) Weekend at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly the National Theatre, in Lagos, Shettima stressed the need to move beyond celebrating African creativity towards building industries capable of generating employment and attracting investment.
He noted that the continent's music, films, fashion and other cultural products have gained international recognition, but called for stronger economic structures to ensure that creative talents contribute more directly to Africa's development.
Shettima said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was working to improve intellectual property protection, expand financing opportunities for creative businesses and strengthen Nigeria's participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He also urged African governments to address restrictions that limit the movement of creative goods and services across national borders.
According to the Vice President, making African films, music and other cultural productions more accessible within the continent would create new markets, encourage investment and strengthen economic cooperation among African countries.
His remarks highlight the growing importance of the creative economy as a potential source of employment, business expansion and regional trade across Africa.
