The Federal Government and key stakeholders in Africa’s creative industry have called for increased investment, stronger intellectual property protection and improved access to markets to transform the continent’s growing cultural influence into sustainable economic wealth.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, made the call on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX WKND) 2026 in Lagos, themed “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World”. She said the government was implementing policies to attract capital to Nigeria’s creative sector and ensure creatives retain more value from their intellectual property.
Oduwole noted that the Federal Executive Council approved the country’s first National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy in November 2025, while the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDICE) programme was designed to unlock more than $600 million in financing for digital and creative businesses. She said the government’s ambition covered performing arts, film, literature, gastronomy, fashion, sports, gaming, crafts and creative technology, with the goal of creating jobs and promoting shared prosperity.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the creative economy as a major source of employment and investment, urging young creators to register, protect and properly price their works. He said Lagos had invested in theatres, cultural centres and creative events to support talent and strengthen the sector.
Actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, said Africa’s cultural assets—including its stories, music, imagination and heritage—could generate economic power if supported by investment, ownership and strong institutions. He noted that Afrobeats, Nollywood, fashion, literature and visual arts were gaining global recognition, but popularity did not automatically translate into prosperity. He called for improved access to finance, stronger intellectual property protection, reliable distribution networks and creative businesses capable of growing beyond individual achievements.
Also speaking, actress Uzo Aduba said African creative industries had attracted global attention but remained short of realising their full economic potential. She urged stakeholders to focus on turning creative energy into jobs, businesses, infrastructure, ownership and sustainable industries.
Aduba described CANEX WKND as a platform for artists, entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders to build partnerships, adding that collaboration between Africa and its diaspora could help creatives gain the resources and ownership needed to benefit from the sector’s growth.
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