Musawa: Nigeria eyes creative economy policy framework

Nigeria's Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, is spearheading a transformative agenda to develop and unveil a policy framework geared towards catalyzing the growth of the country's creative economy. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa at the World Economic Forum, Musawa highlighted the significance of diversifying Nigeria's economic landscape beyond traditional sectors like oil. The Minister emphasized the government's commitment to exploring new avenues such as the blue economy, digital economy, and the burgeoning creative economy. The establishment of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy underscores Nigeria's strategic focus on harnessing the vast opportunities within the creative industry to drive economic growth, foster unity, and position the country on the global stage. Musawa underscored the unique strength of the creative economy in resonating with the public and its potential to address critical issues of sustainable development and growth. She emphasized the power of music, film, and other creative expressions as potent tools for communication and unity, noting that the creative industry possesses a unifying force unmatched by other sectors. The Minister acknowledged the global acclaim of Nollywood and African music, signaling the need for greater support and recognition to unleash the sector's full potential. She pointed out that the industry has long been neglected, necessitating a comprehensive approach to address gaps and establish a conducive environment for its development. Musawa highlighted the government's efforts to engage with stakeholders, attract investments, and provide assurances to investors, including discussions on intellectual property protection and partnership opportunities with streaming platforms. The Minister noted the diverse spectrum of the creative industry, encompassing areas such as gaming, fashion, and crafts, and emphasized the need for a robust strategy and policy framework to support and empower artists and creatives in Nigeria. While lauding the visibility and impact of Nigerian music showcased at the World Economic Forum, Musawa stressed the importance of organizational and governmental commitment to strengthen the industry's foundations and foster confidence among stakeholders. She underscored the theme of rebuilding trust at the WEF and highlighted the unparalleled strength of messaging within the creative economy in communicating critical issues like sustainability and climate change. Musawa expressed optimism for increased engagement and support for the creative industry, citing the transformative power of creative expressions to resonate with diverse audiences and drive meaningful change. Regarding the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Musawa recognized the potential for the creative economy to benefit from enhanced integration within the sub-Saharan African economy. She emphasized the government's ongoing efforts to reinforce its commitment to supporting the industry and create an enabling environment for robust conversations and collaborations within the sector. The Minister affirmed that Nigeria's Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy is poised to lead the way in harnessing the vast opportunities presented by the creative sector and charting a new path for economic growth and development in the country.