Empowering Nigeria's Creative Sector: A Call for Expertise
May 21, 2025, 5:38 pm
African Development Bank Group
Location: Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1964
Location: France, Ile-de-France, Paris
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1941
Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The digital and creative sectors are burgeoning, fueled by a youthful population eager to innovate. Yet, the potential remains untapped. The Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme aims to change that. With support from the African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement, and the Islamic Development Bank, Nigeria is poised to foster entrepreneurship, spur innovation, and create jobs. But to achieve these lofty goals, the country needs expert guidance.
The iDICE Programme is not just a funding initiative; it’s a blueprint for economic transformation. It seeks to build a robust ecosystem that nurtures creativity and technology. The Federal Government of Nigeria recognizes the importance of this sector. The aim is clear: enhance social development and drive economic growth through the creative industries.
At the heart of this initiative is the Creative Enterprise Support Organization Program (CESOP). This program comprises four key components: Hackathons, Startup Vouchers, Startup Incubation, and the Enterprise Support Organization Training Program. Each component plays a vital role in cultivating a vibrant creative landscape across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The Enterprise Support Organization (ESO) Training Program is particularly crucial. It aims to identify weaknesses in existing support structures for creative enterprises. By pinpointing gaps in services, the program can tailor training to meet the specific needs of the sector. This targeted approach ensures that resources are used effectively, maximizing impact.
Consultants are now being sought to develop this comprehensive ESO Training Program. The goal is to enhance the capacity of selected ESOs. These organizations will receive tailored training that focuses on governance, financial sustainability, and sector-specific expertise. Workshops and one-on-one sessions will provide hands-on learning experiences. This is not just about theory; it’s about practical application.
The need for such a program is evident. Nigeria’s creative sector is rich with potential but often lacks the necessary support. Many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle to navigate the complexities of starting and sustaining a business. By strengthening ESOs, the iDICE Programme aims to create a network of support that empowers individuals and fosters innovation.
Moreover, the program will include a robust monitoring and evaluation framework. This will track the progress of ESOs and assess the effectiveness of the training provided. Continuous feedback will refine the program, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful.
In tandem with the ESO Training Program, a GAP Assessment for Training in Market Ready Creative Skills is also underway. This assessment will identify skills gaps within the creative sector. It will provide a detailed report outlining the skills needed for local and international job markets. By focusing on market-ready skills, the program aims to equip Nigeria’s youth with the tools they need to succeed.
The target demographic for this training is youth aged 15-35. This age group represents the future of Nigeria’s creative economy. By investing in their skills, the program aims to create a generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. The training will be tailored to various skill levels, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
To implement these ambitious plans, the iDICE Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) is calling for expressions of interest from qualified consultants. The ideal candidates will have proven experience in incubator and accelerator programs, particularly within the creative sector. They must demonstrate a strong understanding of Nigeria’s unique challenges and opportunities.
The selection process will be rigorous. Consultants will be evaluated based on their expertise, experience, and proposed methodologies. This ensures that only the most capable firms will be entrusted with this critical task. The goal is to create a sustainable framework that can adapt to the evolving needs of the creative sector.
The deadline for submissions is fast approaching. Interested firms must submit their expressions of interest by June 11, 2025. This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s creative economy. The right consultants can help shape the future, turning potential into reality.
In conclusion, the iDICE Programme represents a significant step forward for Nigeria. It is a commitment to nurturing creativity and innovation. By empowering ESOs and addressing skills gaps, the program aims to create a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurs. The future is bright, but it requires the right expertise to guide it. This is a call to action for consultants who are ready to make a difference. Together, we can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s creative sector.
The iDICE Programme is not just a funding initiative; it’s a blueprint for economic transformation. It seeks to build a robust ecosystem that nurtures creativity and technology. The Federal Government of Nigeria recognizes the importance of this sector. The aim is clear: enhance social development and drive economic growth through the creative industries.
At the heart of this initiative is the Creative Enterprise Support Organization Program (CESOP). This program comprises four key components: Hackathons, Startup Vouchers, Startup Incubation, and the Enterprise Support Organization Training Program. Each component plays a vital role in cultivating a vibrant creative landscape across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The Enterprise Support Organization (ESO) Training Program is particularly crucial. It aims to identify weaknesses in existing support structures for creative enterprises. By pinpointing gaps in services, the program can tailor training to meet the specific needs of the sector. This targeted approach ensures that resources are used effectively, maximizing impact.
Consultants are now being sought to develop this comprehensive ESO Training Program. The goal is to enhance the capacity of selected ESOs. These organizations will receive tailored training that focuses on governance, financial sustainability, and sector-specific expertise. Workshops and one-on-one sessions will provide hands-on learning experiences. This is not just about theory; it’s about practical application.
The need for such a program is evident. Nigeria’s creative sector is rich with potential but often lacks the necessary support. Many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle to navigate the complexities of starting and sustaining a business. By strengthening ESOs, the iDICE Programme aims to create a network of support that empowers individuals and fosters innovation.
Moreover, the program will include a robust monitoring and evaluation framework. This will track the progress of ESOs and assess the effectiveness of the training provided. Continuous feedback will refine the program, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful.
In tandem with the ESO Training Program, a GAP Assessment for Training in Market Ready Creative Skills is also underway. This assessment will identify skills gaps within the creative sector. It will provide a detailed report outlining the skills needed for local and international job markets. By focusing on market-ready skills, the program aims to equip Nigeria’s youth with the tools they need to succeed.
The target demographic for this training is youth aged 15-35. This age group represents the future of Nigeria’s creative economy. By investing in their skills, the program aims to create a generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. The training will be tailored to various skill levels, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
To implement these ambitious plans, the iDICE Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) is calling for expressions of interest from qualified consultants. The ideal candidates will have proven experience in incubator and accelerator programs, particularly within the creative sector. They must demonstrate a strong understanding of Nigeria’s unique challenges and opportunities.
The selection process will be rigorous. Consultants will be evaluated based on their expertise, experience, and proposed methodologies. This ensures that only the most capable firms will be entrusted with this critical task. The goal is to create a sustainable framework that can adapt to the evolving needs of the creative sector.
The deadline for submissions is fast approaching. Interested firms must submit their expressions of interest by June 11, 2025. This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s creative economy. The right consultants can help shape the future, turning potential into reality.
In conclusion, the iDICE Programme represents a significant step forward for Nigeria. It is a commitment to nurturing creativity and innovation. By empowering ESOs and addressing skills gaps, the program aims to create a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurs. The future is bright, but it requires the right expertise to guide it. This is a call to action for consultants who are ready to make a difference. Together, we can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s creative sector.