UK-Nigeria Tech Hub Launches Creative Fund to Empower Local Talent

The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub has officially launched its Creative Fund, a strategic grant initiative designed to bridge technical capacity gaps within Nigeria’s burgeoning creative economy.

Announced by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the fund is now accepting applications from creative enterprises, including film studios, fashion houses, music labels, and production firms.

This initiative is a direct outcome of the UK-Nigeria Economic Transformation and Investment Partnership (ETIP) and follows commitments made during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom in early 2026.

By focusing on the film, fashion, and music sectors, the fund seeks to localize high-value technical work that is frequently outsourced to foreign entities due to domestic infrastructure deficits.

The Creative Fund aims to foster the adoption of modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence and digital asset management, while ensuring that Nigerian creatives have the tools to scale their work globally.

Oyinkansola Akintola Bello, Director of the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, emphasized that the fund is a “practical intervention” moving from policy ambition to tangible action. She noted that while the creative sector provides significant economic value, a lack of access to advanced tools and formal training has historically limited its potential.

Research supporting the launch highlights both the opportunities and obstacles within the industry. A 2024 study revealed that Nigeria’s creative economy employs roughly 4.2 million people and contributes approximately $3 billion to the national GDP annually.

However, the study also found that over 80% of practitioners are self-taught and less than 10% have access to formal financing.

Implemented by Tech4Dev, the programme is specifically designed to be inclusive, targeting historically excluded groups and providing them with the digital skills necessary for the modern economy.

Abraham Akpan, Country Manager at Tech4Dev, stated that the fund will ensure Nigerian creative success is underpinned by sustainable local talent rather than a reliance on external services.

By providing grants and access to cutting-edge resources like digital rights management and AI-driven production tools, the Creative Fund aims to create jobs and strengthen the entire creative value chain within Nigeria.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment between the UK and Nigerian governments to drive inclusive, tech-enabled economic growth.

Applications are currently open for projects that demonstrate high impact, scalability, and a clear need for technical support.