In a landmark move to deepen cultural diplomacy and foster economic growth in the creative sector, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) and the Embassy of France in Nigeria have solidified a high-level partnership aimed at driving innovation, job creation, and global market access for Nigeria’s creative industries.
The agreement was reached during a strategic meeting between Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, and the French Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier, in Abuja.
The discussions built on previous engagements, which outlined concrete areas of collaboration to harness Nigeria’s vast creative potential while strengthening bilateral relations between both nations and shared vision.
In her remarks, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa highlighted Nigeria’s roadmap to becoming Africa’s creative capital by 2030, anchored on an 8-point agenda including 2 million jobs in the creative sector through fob creation, a world-class museums in Abuja and Kano, and Abuja Creative City in her infrastructural expansion initiative, promotion of Data-Driven Growth – an industry data hub for investors, Intellectual Property Protection, which seeks to securing rights for creators as well as unlocking $200 million Afrexim Bank facility for creatives.
She emphasized that Nigeria’s partnership with France would accelerate growth in film, gaming, animation and fashion, while fostering skills development and global market access.
Ambassador Fonbaustier commended Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and the Ministry’s ambitious agenda under Barr. Musawa’s leadership, describing the collaboration as a strategic alignment of values and economic priorities.
He reiterated France’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s creative economy through capacity building, institutional partnerships and global exposure for Nigerian talent.
The meeting culminated in a joint communique outlining the following resolutions: Film & Animation; France to facilitate Nigeria’s participation in Cannes Film Festival (2025) and Annecy International Animation Festival (2025); Establishment of an Animation School in partnership with Lagos State University; Knowledge transfer and studio development support for Nigeria’s animation industry.
In Fashion & Design, they agreed on sustained collaboration under the Lagos and Paris Fashion Accelerator Programme; showcasing Nigerian designers at Paris Fashion Week and other global platforms.
Under the framework of Gaming & Digital Innovation, capacity-building programmes in game design, development and publishing were proposed and agreed; incubation hubs and funding opportunities for Nigerian game developers were also highlights of the communique.
Others were in the area of infrastructural expansion where Cultural & Creative Hubs are to be established and developed across the country with French support, and progress on the Agora Project, with financing discussions advancing with the French Treasury.
The collaboration also covered Creation Africa Forum 2025 where France endorsed Nigeria’s hosting of the 2nd Creation Africa Forum scheduled from 16-18, October, 2025 in Lagos, which is expected to attract over 500 participants from across Africa.
Speaking further, the Minister noted that “this partnership is not just about cultural exchange; it’s about economic empowerment, innovation and positioning Nigeria as a global creative powerhouse”, said Barr. Musawa.
Ambassador Fonbaustier added, “the collaboration is a transformative partnership for Nigeria’s creative future, noting that France is proud to stand with Nigeria in this journey”. He said, “together, we will create a thriving ecosystem where art, culture and commerce intersect.”
The Honourable Minister and the French Ambassador expressed confidence that the collaboration would unlock new opportunities for Nigerian creatives while strengthening cultural ties between both nations.
The resolutions, which align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of leveraging Nigeria’s creative sector for national development, a formal memo will be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval to pave the way for full implementation.
This historic partnership marks a new chapter in Nigeria-France relations, with both nations committed to fostering cultural diplomacy, creative economic growth, and global competitiveness for Nigeria’s vibrant arts and entertainment industry.
