Abuja, July 11, 2025 — In a landmark move to support Nigeria’s burgeoning creative industry, the United Kingdom, in partnership with Lagos-based investment firm Woodhall Capital, has launched a ₦1.5 billion Creative Sector Fund aimed at empowering local talents and enhancing Nigeria’s cultural exports globally.
The fund, introduced under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), seeks to provide financial support to creatives in music, film, fashion, design, architecture, advertising, and gaming. The initiative also aligns with the UK–Nigeria Creative Industries Working Group launched in March, which aims to deepen trade relations through innovation and cross-sector collaboration.
At the official unveiling in Lagos, Prosperity and Economic Development Lead, Ndidiamaka Eze, described the initiative as a critical step toward driving inclusive economic growth through cultural diplomacy and bilateral trade. She emphasized that the creative sector remains one of the most promising avenues for youth engagement, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings.
Speaking on behalf of Woodhall Capital, Chief Executive Officer Moji Hunponu-Wusu said the fund was created to close the financing gap that has long hindered the growth of Nigeria’s creative enterprises. She noted that the fund would be accessible through a transparent application process and would prioritize scalability, innovation, and market-readiness.
The fund will also support accelerator programs, matchmaking initiatives, and strategic training designed to position Nigerian creatives for global competitiveness. The aim is to grow Nigeria’s $5 billion creative economy and move it closer to the ambitious $100 billion target set by the federal government.
Industry stakeholders welcomed the development, noting that it offers a lifeline to many professionals in the sector who struggle with access to funding. The fund is expected to generate new employment opportunities, stimulate regional trade, and elevate Nigeria’s presence on the global cultural stage.
