An unexpected sight at an international tech conference in Dubai was a vibrant showcase of African cultural attire. Nigerian creatives, including actor Timini Egbuson, DJ SL, and celebrity stylist Swanky Jerry, graced the stage at GITEX Dubai on October 14 to discuss the future of Africa’s creative economy.
Africa’s creative industry is undergoing remarkable growth, driven by the surge in popularity of Afrobeat music and substantial venture capital injections into acclaimed film projects like “The Black Book.” Projections indicate that Africa’s global revenue from creative goods could reach $200 billion by 2030.
The attention the Nigerian creative economy is receiving globally, according to the three creatives, merely scratches the surface of its potential.
“There is a wealth of undiscovered talent across Africa waiting to be unearthed. I see this untapped potential as a significant opportunity for growth in the African music industry,” stated DJ SL.
There is growing optimism about the creative industry’s potential, especially among the upcoming generation of creatives. The achievements of current industry players have shifted perceptions, with more parents now viewing creative careers as prestigious as tech or banking roles.
The speakers emphasized their commitment to nurturing talent in their country and challenging stereotypes that hinder foreign involvement in the sector. Egbuson and Jerry mentioned leveraging online platforms to mentor aspiring creatives in film and fashion, respectively.
Another key insight from the discussion was the need for increased government investment in Nigeria’s creative economy. While recent initiatives have been launched to fund and empower young creatives, Egbuson believes more can be done.
“Although the government is taking steps, its attention is divided among various priorities. Nevertheless, Nigerians are becoming more self-reliant and less dependent on government aid. The global nature of the world presents opportunities for anyone to invest in Africa,” Egbuson remarked.