Speaking at the recent Moment 2026, Africa’s Convergence of Creators, Kashifu Inuwa, the director general of NITDA, emphasised that the Agency is focused on building a technology-driven ecosystem where creators can thrive, innovate, and compete globally.

Highlighting the growing importance of the sector, the DG, who was represented by Dr Ayodeji Eniola, the director of the DG’s Office, noted that Nigeria’s creative industry, currently valued at over $9 billion, could exceed $13 billion in the coming years with the right support systems in place.

“Nigeria has always been a nation of storytellers, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and innovators. What is remarkable today is that this creativity has evolved beyond cultural expression to become a powerful economic force.”

He said that at the heart of NITDA’s interventions is digital talent development and mentioned that through flagship programmes such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, the Agency is equipping young Nigerians with critical skills in animation, visual effects, game development, and digital media, ensuring they are prepared for emerging opportunities in the global creator economy.

The DG stressed that the intersection of creativity and technology is central to the future of the industry.

“Today, creativity is powered by connectivity, computing power, digital platforms, and data. A smartphone, a laptop, and access to the internet can enable a young Nigerian to reach millions of people around the world.”

To support this transformation, Inuwa stated that NITDA is driving the development of key digital infrastructure, including the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative, which provides secure, scalable local computing resources for creators and digital entrepreneurs.

He also noted the Agency is supporting national broadband expansion efforts, such as Project BRIDGE, to improve connectivity and expand participation in the digital economy.

In addition to infrastructure, Inuwa disclosed that NITDA continues to strengthen regulatory frameworks that promote cybersecurity, data protection, and digital trust, critical elements for safeguarding creators’ intellectual property and ensuring safe participation in online ecosystems.

He announced that the Agency is also leveraging emerging technologies to position Nigeria at the forefront of innovation in the creative space.

Through the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), he added that NITDA is advancing research and capacity building in artificial intelligence, enabling creators to integrate cutting-edge tools into content production and digital storytelling.

Reinforcing the broader national vision and calling on young creators to recognise the economic and global significance of their work, the DG said, “Your creativity is not just entertainment. It is innovation, intellectual property, economic opportunity, and national influence.”

He reiterated that the Agency will continue to implement policies, develop infrastructure, and foster innovation ecosystems that empower Nigeria’s creative sector to grow sustainably, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic diversification agenda.

The post NITDA Boss Says Nigeria’s Creative Economy Could Surpass $13bn appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Held on Thursday, November 20, at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the event convened government leaders, founders, investors, creators, technologists and policy makers to map out what tomorrow could look like for Ogun’s fast-growing innovation sector. 

The summit, now in its sixth edition, has become the largest annual gathering of youth and digital talent in the state.

A Summit Framed by Urgency and Opportunity

The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Naimat Salako-Oyedele, described the digital economy as “the backbone of modern development” She stressed that young people are central to the state’s growth strategy.

She described how Ogun has spent the past few years laying the foundations for a thriving technology ecosystem: “We have been intentional here in Ogun state about creating the right environment for technology to flourish.” 

She pointed out the transformation of the Ogun Tech Hub; partnerships with innovation clusters; and new international collaborations, including the Window America initiative, which provides workshops and learning opportunities for young people.

The Deputy Governor also announced the newly commissioned NCC Koba Centre, already training youths in AI engineering, cloud computing and data technologies. According to her, its location in Ogun is “not accidental… It reflects the confidence that national institutions and private partners have in our talent base.” 

But she also warned, “We must not work in silos. We need more coordination, more shared learning and more deliberate linkages between state programs, federal initiatives, private sector projects, university research and community-based ecosystem.” 

A Federal Perspective: Nigeria Must Create, Not Just Consume

Representing the Presidency, Tobi Matthew, director of the PBAT Media Centre, gave a statement reinforcing the federal government’s position on digital acceleration growth.

He noted, “Nigeria must not only consume technology, we must create it and also export it.” 

He outlined three pillars of a functional digital ecosystem, policy, governance and partnership, and emphasised the administration’s focus on reforms that ease doing tech business, expand broadband access and strengthen global partnerships.

According to him, summits like Ogun’s bridge government and the tech community by helping “co-create policies that work in the real world.” 

Legislative Power Meets Tech Vision

The summit received a strong policy perspective from Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, who announced that the long-awaited National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill would soon be signed into law.

The bill, he explained, will compel ministries and agencies to digitise operations: “They are all compared, not as a matter of option. They are compared to digital patients.” 

He described how digital signatures and electronic documents would gain full legal recognition, removing long-standing limitations for startups and online businesses. The Senator called the summit “the largest gathering of youth in Ogun state… gathered for empowerment that truly empowers.” 

Founders and Innovators Urged to Build for Ogun, Not Just From It

Summit Convener Victor Adeleye returned to a central problem; retention. Although many celebrated Nigerian startups originated from Ogun institutions, most relocate to Lagos. He challenged young innovators to stay and build where they were trained.

“The tech skill is not the destination, it’s just the beginning.” 

He added that more than 7,500 talents have been supported since 2020, and that the state is now spotlighting revenue-generating startups built locally.

PaidHR’s Seye Bandele Urges Founders to Build for Africa’s Realities, Not Imported Playbooks

Seye Bandele, co-founder & CEO of PaidHR, told young founders that Africa is in its own “printing-press moment”, a turning point impacted by AI, rapid information flow and a high youth population.

He drew parallels between Gutenberg’s invention and today’s technology wave, stressing that the tools being built now will affect the next 100 years of African innovation.

Seye warned that founders must build with Africa’s realities in mind; weak infrastructure, low internet access and high volatility, not imported frameworks. He urged them to design products that work offline, handle currency swings, embed trust from day one and collect data intentionally.

He also emphasised that Africa’s population surge makes the continent the world’s next major market, and those building today must think in decades, not sprints. For him, progress comes from solving real problems and adapting global ideas to local context.

“You may not see the full impact, but what you build today is what the next generation will inherit.”

Microsoft’s Damila Rashu, lead for AI and Cloud, reiterated the global relevance of Ogun’s emerging talent pool and encouraged founders to join Microsoft’s startup programmes.

“Hopefully, in a few months, a few years down the line, we will have our own global unicorns right here in Ogun state.” 

Earlier, Bola Akindele, group managing director of Courteville Business Solutions Plc, recalled the evolution of his own company and the importance of domain understanding, using examples from his early academic journey.

Messan to Founders: “Traction Is Your Number One De-Risker”

David Lanre Messan, chief venture builder at FirstFounders, explained that most struggles with fundraising come from poor positioning, not lack of ideas.

He stressed that “every investor has an investment thesis,” urging founders to first identify whether they are at the idea, product or revenue stage before approaching anyone.

Messan noted that early-stage success depends on validation and real market demand, noting that “you cannot build anything without automatic demand.” He closed with an insight that investors respond to proof, not promises: “traction is your number one de-risker.”

Dr Solomon King: The Power of Diaspora Capital

From the Lagos Angel Network, Dr Solomon King presented a startling economic context: “17 million Nigerians live in the diaspora, and those 17 million people push back home to Nigeria, 20 billion US dollars on average per year.” 

He argued that this flow of capital, coupled with Ogun’s youth base, positions the region for outstanding investment if structures stay consistent.

Community Leadership: Ogun Tech Community’s Stand

President of the Ogun Tech Community, Adekunle Durosinmi, commended the summit for becoming a reference point. “We have seen the ecosystem growing stronger, more connected, more impactful.” 

He urged attendees to “disrupt Google”, amplify Ogun’s tech story online, and enhance collaboration instead of isolation.

Inspirational Close: What Will You Build?

One of the most memorable reflections at Ogun Digital Summit 2025 came from a keynote speaker who linked today’s creators to historical innovators: “Your code, your content, your companies are the real printing presses of this generation.” 

The challenge was, “What infrastructure are you going to build today that the people of tomorrow will inherit from you?” 

PANEL SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

Panel Session 1: The Creative Economy

Key Highlights

• Defined the creative economy as the movement of goods and services within creative industries.
• Identified various creative sectors, including music, storytelling, photography, design, YouTube content, branding, and cinematography.
• Discussed the role of storytelling and its relevance to audience engagement.
• Raised matters about content creators ignoring policy updates that directly benefit them, including tax reforms and IP protection.
• Emphasised that Ogun has the strongest environment for creative-tech talent development.
• Called for more platforms that highlight policies affecting creators.

Fireside Chat: Journey from Zero to 1 Billion

Key Highlights

• Speakers discussed realistic planning for market size and expansion.
• Warned founders against exaggerated market assumptions that harm investor confidence.
• Emphasised calculating total addressable market (TAM) within one’s region before expanding.
• Explained the investment committee process and how risk assessments shape funding decisions.
• Encouraged founders to build strong roadmaps and avoid premature scaling.

Panel Session 2: Policy, Governance and Talent

Key Highlights

• Examined how data governance, digital payments and financial infrastructure affect tech growth.
• Highlighted existing federal and state programmes supporting innovators, including tech hubs and new digital infrastructure.
• Noted the gap between policies and actual adoption by citizens and creators.
• Stressed the need for intentional inclusion of youth-led tech teams in procurement and governance processes.
• Raised issues about low awareness of policy benefits, especially tax reforms.
• Reemphasised the importance of intellectual property protection.
• Asserted that Ogun should become Nigeria’s digital capital due to its youth population and number of tertiary institutions.

Ogun Digital Summit 2025 stressed that Ogun is no longer waiting for inclusion in Nigeria’s digital growth. The state is supplying talent, building institutions, attracting global partners and implementing policy-driven reforms designed to keep innovators rooted at home.

In Nigeria’s digital economy, Ogun State is now one of the country’s strongest engines.

The post #OgunDigitalSummit: Stakeholders Demand Coordinated Digital Growth Strategy for Ogun appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The workshops, held in partnership with the Kigali Centre for Photography, will take place from October  27–29, 2025, at the Institut Français in Kigali as part of the Kigali Visual Encounters Festival.

The Canon Academy brings a direct, skills-based approach to photography education, moving beyond theory to practical mastery. 

It is Canon’s latest investment in nurturing Africa’s creative industries, with a goal to empower young professionals to transform passion into sustainable livelihoods.

According to Rashad Ghani, B2C business unit director at Canon Central and North Africa, “Through the Canon Academy, we’re expanding our reach and impact by making photography training accessible to our customers in Rwanda. 

“This collaboration with the Kigali Centre for Photography for the Kigali Visual Encounters Festival represents our commitment to equipping young people and communities with the skills, inspiration, and opportunities they need to succeed in the creative economy. 

“It is also a reflection of Canon’s strategic approach to shape Africa’s future through education and innovation.”

Unlike traditional seminars, the Academy’s structure focuses on experiential learning. Participants will receive guided instruction from certified Canon trainers, with each session adapted to different experience levels, from first-time camera users to professionals seeking advanced techniques.

Workshops will cover essential concepts such as composition, lighting, and exposure, followed by outdoor sessions like street photography exercises. 

Attendees will work with Canon’s latest mirrorless and DSLR systems, including the R50, R100, R10, and R8, testing the technology in real-world environments. 

The hands-on sessions will culminate in the Canon Academy Hangout, where participants will showcase their work, network, and receive formal certification.

Leading the sessions are Jacques Nkinzingabo, founder of the Kigali Centre for Photography, and Raul Gabat, Canon’s business development manager. 

Together, they will guide participants through the creative and technical aspects of storytelling through images.

Nkinzingabo said, “The Kigali Centre for Photography serves as a learning and creative space dedicated to advancing photography, visual culture, and artistic practices in Rwanda. The first and only of its kind in Kigali City, it has positioned itself as a hub of creative learning and cultural exchange. 

“Through the Kigali Visual Encounters 2025, and in collaboration with Canon, it provides an inclusive, meaningful, and community-driven platform for development.”

Since its inception, Canon Academy has trained over 2,200 students across Africa. The expansion into Rwanda represents a new learning opportunity and also a commendable move to strengthen the region’s creative economy. 

Through this initiative, Canon aims to cultivate a new generation of storytellers, individuals who can capture Africa’s realities and ambitions through powerful visual narratives.

Investing in people and education, Canon is aligning with its Kyosei philosophy: “Living and Working Together for the Common Good.” In Kigali, that philosophy takes on a new form, blending artistry, technology, and opportunity to build a stronger creative future.

The post Canon Expands Creative Footprint in Rwanda with Launch of Canon Academy Workshops at Kigali Visual Encounters 2025 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The initiative, which takes place from November 18 to 23, 2025, at the Livespot Entertarium, Lagos, offers selected founders a chance to access ₦25 million in funding, mentorship, and investor partnerships that could boost their business growth.

Why It Matters

Africa’s creative economy is valued at over $20 billion and continues to expand with tech-led solutions transforming music, film, fashion, and design. 

The EWA Deal Room acts as a bridge between visionary founders and the capital they need to scale. 

Over the years, the programme has supported startups such as Esosa, a travel-tech platform connecting the African diaspora; Taghub, an AI-powered influencer marketing network; and Synewave, a revenue-sharing platform for artists. 

Together, these ventures have attracted more than $1 million in cumulative investment through EWA’s ecosystem.

Participants will undergo a three-day accelerator, receiving guidance from leading investors, industry experts, and creative leaders before showcasing their businesses at a Demo Day in front of global stakeholders. 

The platform also promotes meaningful networking, deal flow, and visibility that many founders struggle to secure independently.

Who Can Apply

The EWA Deal Room is open to:

• Founders and co-founders of tech-driven ventures in the creative and entertainment industries, including music, film, fashion, publishing, and design.
• Builders of platforms or tools enhancing distribution, monetisation, analytics, fan engagement, or funding within the creative sector.
• Independent artists, producers, and directors with strong market traction or projects in pre-production or development.
• Emerging entrepreneurs in lifestyle and skincare seeking to scale innovative ideas.
• Managers, rights holders, and distributors looking for funding or strategic partnerships.
• Investors, ecosystem enablers, and industry leaders shaping Africa’s creative and tech sector.

Benefits

• Access to ₦25 million in potential funding and partnership opportunities.
• Exclusive mentorship from top-tier investors and creative industry professionals.
• Investor-ready business model refinement and pitch training.
• Direct exposure to global networks shaping the future of Africa’s entertainment and digital ecosystem.
• Opportunity to pitch live at EWA Demo Day before an audience of global stakeholders and media partners.

How to Apply

Applications are now open via the website. Interested participants should submit details about their business, vision, and traction before the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of selection.

The post Entertainment Week Africa Opens “Deal Room” — ₦25 Million Funding Opportunity for Creative Tech Startups appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Speaking as Chairman at the opening of the QEDNG Powerhouse Summit themed “Financing as Catalyst for a Thriving Creative Economy”, Ufot urged stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric to concrete action.

Organised by Mighty Media Plus Network Limited and QEDNG, the summit brought together policymakers, financiers, creators, and media leaders to address persistent funding challenges in the sector.

“The creative industry in Nigeria is one of our most vibrant and resilient sectors,” Ufot said. “Yet, despite our abundance of talent and the undeniable economic value of creativity, financing remains the single biggest roadblock. Without sustainable and strategic funding, ideas remain trapped in notebooks, studios shut down, and potential is lost.”

Ufot emphasised that financing must be smart, flexible, and production driven as well as designed to scale creative enterprises, protect intellectual property, and stimulate job creation.

He called for the development of financial products tailored to the creative industry, government policies that reward innovation and calculated risk-taking, and a stronger evidence base to demonstrate the sector’s social and economic impact.

He also underscored the importance of creatives investing in personal development, acquiring financial literacy, and adopting sound business management practices to reassure investors of their capacity to manage funds effectively.

“This is not about throwing money at the industry,” he noted. “It’s about smart financing that aligns with the realities of creative work. We must ask ourselves how to de-risk investment in the sector, what global financing models can be adapted, how to protect intellectual property in the digital age, and how to ensure the next generation has access to the tools, skills, and capital they need.”

He proposed the establishment of an industry-wide creative investment fund, stronger policy frameworks, and collaborative platforms to sustain momentum beyond the summit.

“Creativity is more than entertainment, it is identity, influence, and industry,” Ufot concluded. “If we wish to diversify Nigeria’s economy and empower our youths, investing in creativity is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It is a low-hanging fruit that can transform our bulging youth demographics into a great national asset.”

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