How stronger partnerships can drive Nigeria’s creative industry — Expert

Nigeria's creative sector can unlock its economic potential through stronger partnerships across industry, policy, finance, and technology, according to Olumide Iyanda, CEO of QEDNG. Speaking at the second QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit in Lagos, Iyanda stressed the importance of shifting focus from systemic bottlenecks to actionable commercial opportunities.

The creative economy, encompassing film, music, advertising, publishing, theatre, cultural tourism, and digital content, is increasingly viewed as a source of jobs, entrepreneurship, and international visibility for Nigeria. Iyanda emphasized that the sector's value extends beyond economic contribution, as Nigerian creative output shapes the country's global perception.

The summit, themed "Creativity, Culture and Nigeria's Next Chapter," expanded the conversation around the creative economy to include investment, innovation, public policy, and collaboration. With 2027 projected to see the party field candidates for 90% of elective positions, discussions at the summit aim to address the capital gap in Nigeria's creative economy.

The event, chaired by Sir Demola Aladekomo and featuring keynote address by Ife Adebayo of the Bank of Industry, brought together professionals from various sectors to explore the broader economic opportunities that could arise from closer ties between creative professionals, investors, government, and businesses.