Nigeria has launched Creative Economy Week 2025, a landmark celebration of arts, culture, and innovation, in partnership with the British Council and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE).
The event, which began on Thursday, 11 September 2025, in Abuja, will run across six cities — Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, and London — under the theme “Building Futures through Creativity.”
Organisers say the week-long festival will spotlight how creativity and culture can drive inclusive economic growth, youth empowerment, and international collaboration.
This is the second edition of the programme, following a pilot in 2023. Since then, the concept has expanded across Africa, with Creative Economy Weeks now held in Uganda, Ghana, and Zimbabwe.
Expanding Nigeria’s creative economy
This year’s event comes after the British Council and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier in 2025, cementing a partnership to strengthen Nigeria’s creative sector.
Organisers said activities will include:
Policy dialogues and networking sessions with government officials, industry stakeholders, and UK partners.
Workshops and masterclasses on film, TV, photography, music, fashion, and entrepreneurship.
Craft sessions in batik making, leatherworks, and fibreglass sculpting.
Creative markets and art showcases to spotlight Nigerian talent.
A major Lagos conference focusing on women in film, creative technology, investment, education, and legal frameworks.
Voices from government and partners
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, represented by the Permanent Secretary, described the event as proof of Nigeria’s leadership in creativity and innovation.
She said:
“Creative Economy Week is more than an event, it is a demonstration of Nigeria’s leadership in arts, culture, tourism, and innovation. Guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, this collaboration with the British Council strengthens our drive to empower young Nigerians, amplify women’s voices, attract investment, and position Nigeria as a global hub of creativity and cultural exchange. Together, we are building futures through creativity.”
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, MFR, mni, added:
“Nigeria’s creative economy is one of the most dynamic in the world. By working with the British Council, we are creating stronger pathways for our talent to thrive, not only within Nigeria but across the globe. This partnership reflects our dedication to empowering youth, deepening cultural diplomacy, and unlocking the vast potential of the creative and tourism sectors as engines of inclusive development.”
British Council Country Director for Nigeria and West Africa Cluster Lead, Donna McGowan, also highlighted the role of youth and entrepreneurship.
She said:
“For the British Council, youth employability and entrepreneurship are central to achieving sustainable and inclusive growth, and the creative economy plays a vital role in making this possible. This year’s collaboration with the Ministry reflects our joint commitment to ensuring that the creative economy continues to drive jobs, innovation, and inclusive growth.”
Global showcase in London
The 2025 edition will run in Nigeria until 21 September, culminating in a London showcase on 11 October.
That international platform will bring together diaspora voices, investors, and cultural leaders, creating opportunities for stronger ties between Nigeria’s creative sector and the global market.