The Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has announced plans to generate $100 billion in investment and create 2 million jobs through Nigeria’s creative and cultural sectors, aiming to boost the nation’s economy,Daily Trust reports.
In an interview, Musawa emphasized that the current administration is committed to capturing a significant portion of the global creative industry, valued at over $1 trillion, as part of its renewed hope agenda.
She highlighted that this goal is achievable by unlocking opportunities within the creative and cultural economy value chain through policies that foster a conducive business environment.
“We are actively pursuing public-private partnerships and have signed agreements with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) to speed up the process of securing innovative funding sources for players in the creative ecosystem,” Musawa said.
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The minister also announced a partnership with BigWin Philanthropy, a major international development partner, to implement a transformative job creation and industry strategy.
She explained that the ministry was drawn to the BigWin partnership due to its success in providing digital skills to 500,000 Rwandan youths and creating a million sustainable jobs in Cote d’Ivoire.
Musawa outlined four key components of the BigWin partnership aimed at delivering 2 million jobs in the creative economy.
“First, we are implementing a job creation strategy that leverages regulatory frameworks, strategic investments, partnerships, and fiscal incentives to maximize job creation potential,” she explained.
She also mentioned that the ministry is exploring synergies with Nigeria’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) and other economic expansion initiatives to enhance Nigeria’s creative opportunities within Africa’s $3.4 trillion market.
Additionally, the minister confirmed ongoing collaborations with key players in the creative economy, such as the Bank of Industry.
Musawa added that the revitalization of the National Theatre and its surrounding areas is contributing to the development of the creative industries ecosystem, providing opportunities for performance spaces, exhibition centers, creative hubs, and recreational facilities.
She noted that this revitalization would create numerous opportunities for Nigerians within the creative industries value chain.
“Artists, performers, and entrepreneurs are already engaging with us to explore economic opportunities at the National Theatre,” Musawa said.