CREATIVE ECONOMY'S #300 BILLION AFREXIM BANK FUND: FG Sets June 1 As Kick-Off Date

3rd from left, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq, Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy with Baba Agba, Special Adviser to the President, Office of the Hon. Minister, (1st from left) and Jamma Amachree-Broad Head of Strategy Nigeria Destination 2030, Imam Faiz, Principal Advisor to the Honourable Minister, Imran Duba, Special Adviser to the President , Office of the Honourable Minister and Moriam Ajaga Special Adviser to the President, Office of the Honourable Minister 

"We are creating an investor-friendly environment that will drive growth and help us achieve our ambitious goal of creating two million new jobs by 2030." Hannatu Musawa Esq, Honourable Minister of Art Culture Tourism and Creative Economy.

Nigeria’s creative economy and tourism sector has recorded tremendous strides within a four month period, under the leadership of Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq, the Honourable Minister of Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Innovative Economy.

Addressing members of the media, at a widely covered media conference, the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Innovative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq. disclosed that, "Our vision is to build an integrated, data-driven, and investment-friendly ecosystem that unlocks the full potential of these industries."

At the press conference, Barr Musawa Esq highlighted some of the achievements of the Ministry to include; Launching the D30 Platform 

According to the Minister, "One of our most exciting initiatives is the D30 Platform—a comprehensive, publicly accessible database that maps our current industry landscape and offers forward-looking insights. Key features include:

• Infrastructure Audit: A tool to guide public-private partnerships and target investments.

• Industry Forecasts:

She noted that, "Our forecasts are built on clear, data-driven assumptions that incorporate planned investments, forthcoming policy reforms, and key infrastructure developments. These assumptions will be transparently shared on the platform to guide investors, highlight the government’s proactive role, and support our Destination 2030 goal of creating two million new jobs in the creative industries and tourism sector.

Throwing more light the achievements of the Ministry, she revealed that "the D30 Platform is a critical component of our broader strategy, developed by VIISAUS in collaboration with Cavista Technologies and enriched by insights from industry experts."

Establishing CEDF and CITICo

Musawa further explained that, "To drive sustainable investment, we are setting up the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) and the Creative Industries & Tourism Infrastructure Company (CITICo):

• CEDF will leverage innovative financing—combining debt, equity, and grants—to support high-potential areas within the creative economy.

• CITICo is designed as a predominantly private-sector-led investment vehicle focused on developing creative and tourism infrastructure.

She disclosed that "An initial commitment of $2 million has already been allocated through FMACTCE for the revitalisation of the Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River State."

On Operationalizing the #300bn Funding Facility, she said; "We are excited to announce the operationalisation of the #300 billion funding facility in partnership with Afreximbank. FMACTCE is working closely with the bank to deploy capital into strategic opportunities through CEDF and CITICo, with Ernst & Young serving as our principal advisors.

Speaking on Developing Abuja Creative City, the Minister disclosed that, "Under CITICo, we are launching Abuja Creative City; a landmark 30-hectare development in Idu Industrial City, Abuja. In partnership with Creative Limited, the developers of Madhouse Studios in Lagos, this project will create a dynamic, mixed-use space for creative businesses, entertainment, hospitality, and real estate, ensuring a sustainable ecosystem for the sector."

On the issue of Integrated Partnerships, Hannatu Musawa further stated that, "We are proud to have established several integrated partnerships across all the projects presented today. 

She identified the strategic partners to include:

• Cavista Holdings

• Cavista Technologies

• Creative Parks Limited

• Ernst and Young

• Future Tech Media

• MTN

• VIISAUS

• Wakanow

"These collaborations are vital to strengthening our commitment to driving growth and innovation in Nigeria’s creative economy and tourism sector." She disclosed.

"These initiatives mark the beginning of a transformative journey for Nigeria’s creative economy and tourism sector. Through strategic investments, public-private collaboration, and transparent planning, we are creating an investor-friendly environment that will drive growth and help us achieve our ambitious goal of creating two million new jobs by 2030." She concluded.