Abuja, Nigeria – 11 September 2025

The British Council, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE), is proud to announce Creative Economy Week Nigeria 2025, a landmark six-city celebration of innovation, skills, and collaboration under the theme “Building Futures through Creativity.”

Launching on 11 September 2025 in Abuja, Creative Economy Week will span Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, and London, bringing together artists, creative entrepreneurs, cultural hubs, industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and international partners. The event series will showcase the power of creativity and culture as catalysts for inclusive economic growth, youth empowerment, and global connection.

This second edition follows the successful pilot held in 2023. Since its inception, the programme has expanded beyond Nigeria, inspiring Creative Economy Weeks in Uganda, Ghana, and Zimbabwe, making it one of the British Council’s most dynamic cultural economy initiatives in Africa.

The 2025 edition comes against the backdrop of a strengthened partnership between the British Council and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier this year. This MoU reflects both organisations’ shared commitment to advancing Nigeria’s creative economy, building international connections, and scaling opportunities for youth, women, and the wider creative sector.

Programme Highlights
• High-level policy dialogues and networking sessions with government leaders, industry stakeholders, and UK partners.
• Masterclasses and workshops on film, TV, photography, music, fashion, and creative entrepreneurship.
• Craft sessions in batik making, leatherworks, and fibreglass sculpting.
• Creative pop-up markets and art showcases spotlighting Nigerian talent.
• Major conferences in Lagos focusing on women in film, creative technology, investment, legal frameworks, education, and the future of the creative economy.

Voices from the Partners

The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, in remarks delivered through the Permanent Secretary, emphasised:

“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.”

Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, MFR, mni, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, 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.”

Donna McGowan, British Council Country Director for Nigeria and West Africa Cluster Lead, noted:

“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.”

A Global Platform

Creative Economy Week Nigeria 2025 will run from 11 to 21 September across five Nigerian cities before culminating in a landmark London showcase on 11 October. This international platform will spotlight diaspora voices, strengthen collaboration, and forge new opportunities for global creative exchange.

About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2024–25, we reached 599 million people.
www.britishcouncil.org

About the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy

The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy is committed to repositioning Nigeria as a leading global hub for cultural exchange, tourism development, and creative enterprise. Guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry fosters innovation, creates sustainable jobs, and promotes Nigeria’s heritage and creative economy to the world.