The British Council has renewed calls for stronger access to financing, markets and policy support for Nigeria’s creative industry, saying talent alone is not enough to build a sustainable creative economy.
Head of Arts and Culture at British Council Nigeria, Harry Kesiena, said many Nigerian creatives possess world-class talent but often struggle to access the resources and networks needed to transform their skills into thriving businesses.
According to him, the challenge facing the sector is not creativity but the absence of adequate support structures that enable artists, filmmakers, musicians and designers to scale their work.
Kesiena traced his passion for the creative industry to personal experiences in Aba’s textile market, where he witnessed both the creativity of local entrepreneurs and the barriers limiting their growth.
At the British Council, he has led initiatives aimed at connecting creatives with investors, policymakers, international institutions and development partners.
One of such initiatives is Creative Economy Week Nigeria, which has expanded from Lagos to other cities including Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu, while also incorporating activities in London.
The 2025 edition featured nearly 70 programmes under the theme, “Building Futures Through Creativity.”
“We’re not just supporting filmmakers or designers. We’re backing them with research, skills, financing models and policy dialogue so their work sits inside a complete, sustainable value chain,” Kesiena said.
Other British Council programmes supporting the sector include Creative DNA Nigeria, Music Connects Africa, Film Lab Africa and InsightsOut Africa.
A 2024 British Council report estimated that Africa’s creative economy contributes more than $58 billion annually but continues to face challenges related to financing and policy support.
Kesiena also highlighted efforts to create opportunities for creatives outside traditional hubs, citing the success of writer Idi Nasiru, who emerged among two global winners from more than 800 entries in a BBC competition.
He said preparations are also underway for the UK-Nigeria Season of Culture 2028, which will bring together artists, researchers, filmmakers, writers and designers from both countries.
