Empowering Nigeria's Creative Sector: A New Dawn for Startups and Skills Development
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 winds of change are blowing through its creative and digital sectors. With the backing of international financial institutions, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) is poised to ignite a revolution in entrepreneurship and innovation. The Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme is the spark. It aims to create jobs, foster social development, and transform the economy. This initiative is not just a program; it’s a lifeline for startups and a beacon of hope for aspiring creatives.
The iDICE Programme is a collaborative effort involving the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). Together, they are investing in Nigeria’s future. The goal? To nurture a vibrant ecosystem that supports startups in the digital and creative sectors. This initiative builds on existing investments and aligns with ongoing efforts to bolster Nigeria’s economic landscape.
At the heart of this initiative lies the Creative Enterprise Support Organisation Program (CESOP). CESOP is a multi-faceted approach designed to empower startups through various programs. Among these is the Startup Voucher Program, which aims to provide critical resources to budding entrepreneurs. This program is a lifeline, offering access to infrastructure, product development, and marketing support. It’s a bridge connecting ideas to execution.
The Startup Voucher Program is not just about funding; it’s about fostering growth. It aims to facilitate access to essential services that startups need to thrive. The program will integrate voucher disbursement through two streams: the CESOP incubation program and direct applications from startups. This dual approach ensures that support reaches those who need it most.
Monitoring and evaluation are crucial. The program will implement frameworks to track voucher utilization and assess the impact on startup growth. This data-driven approach will refine the program, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the creative sector. It’s about building a feedback loop that informs future initiatives.
But the iDICE Programme doesn’t stop at funding. It recognizes the importance of skills development. A parallel initiative seeks to conduct a gap assessment for training in market-ready creative skills. This assessment will identify the skills needed in the creative sector and develop a plan to address these gaps. It’s a proactive step towards ensuring that Nigeria’s youth are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow.
The training will target young people aged 15 to 35, focusing on basic, intermediate, and advanced skills. This demographic is the backbone of Nigeria’s future. By investing in their skills, the iDICE Programme aims to create a workforce that is not only capable but also competitive on a global scale.
The gap assessment will involve extensive research to identify current skills and gaps in the creative ecosystem. It will link existing skills to startup activity, providing insights into potential trainers and training infrastructure. This comprehensive approach ensures that the training delivered is relevant and impactful.
Moreover, the program will aggregate trainers to deliver the identified training. This collaboration will harness the expertise of seasoned professionals, ensuring that beneficiaries receive high-quality instruction. It’s about creating a network of knowledge that empowers the next generation of creatives.
Eligibility for participation in these programs is structured to ensure that only qualified consultants and firms are involved. The selection process will adhere to the African Development Bank’s procurement policies, ensuring transparency and fairness. This rigorous approach will attract the best talent to support the initiative.
The deadline for expressions of interest is set for June 11, 2025. This timeline is crucial for maintaining momentum. The sooner the right partners are engaged, the quicker the benefits can be realized. The call for proposals is a clarion call for those who wish to be part of this transformative journey.
In conclusion, the iDICE Programme represents a significant step forward for Nigeria’s creative sector. It’s a multifaceted initiative that addresses funding, skills development, and ecosystem support. By fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, Nigeria is not just investing in its economy; it’s investing in its people. The future is bright, and the potential is limitless. As the creative sector flourishes, so too will the opportunities for all Nigerians. This is more than a program; it’s a movement towards a more prosperous and dynamic Nigeria. The stage is set, and the spotlight is on the creatives. Let the show begin.
The iDICE Programme is a collaborative effort involving the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). Together, they are investing in Nigeria’s future. The goal? To nurture a vibrant ecosystem that supports startups in the digital and creative sectors. This initiative builds on existing investments and aligns with ongoing efforts to bolster Nigeria’s economic landscape.
At the heart of this initiative lies the Creative Enterprise Support Organisation Program (CESOP). CESOP is a multi-faceted approach designed to empower startups through various programs. Among these is the Startup Voucher Program, which aims to provide critical resources to budding entrepreneurs. This program is a lifeline, offering access to infrastructure, product development, and marketing support. It’s a bridge connecting ideas to execution.
The Startup Voucher Program is not just about funding; it’s about fostering growth. It aims to facilitate access to essential services that startups need to thrive. The program will integrate voucher disbursement through two streams: the CESOP incubation program and direct applications from startups. This dual approach ensures that support reaches those who need it most.
Monitoring and evaluation are crucial. The program will implement frameworks to track voucher utilization and assess the impact on startup growth. This data-driven approach will refine the program, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the creative sector. It’s about building a feedback loop that informs future initiatives.
But the iDICE Programme doesn’t stop at funding. It recognizes the importance of skills development. A parallel initiative seeks to conduct a gap assessment for training in market-ready creative skills. This assessment will identify the skills needed in the creative sector and develop a plan to address these gaps. It’s a proactive step towards ensuring that Nigeria’s youth are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow.
The training will target young people aged 15 to 35, focusing on basic, intermediate, and advanced skills. This demographic is the backbone of Nigeria’s future. By investing in their skills, the iDICE Programme aims to create a workforce that is not only capable but also competitive on a global scale.
The gap assessment will involve extensive research to identify current skills and gaps in the creative ecosystem. It will link existing skills to startup activity, providing insights into potential trainers and training infrastructure. This comprehensive approach ensures that the training delivered is relevant and impactful.
Moreover, the program will aggregate trainers to deliver the identified training. This collaboration will harness the expertise of seasoned professionals, ensuring that beneficiaries receive high-quality instruction. It’s about creating a network of knowledge that empowers the next generation of creatives.
Eligibility for participation in these programs is structured to ensure that only qualified consultants and firms are involved. The selection process will adhere to the African Development Bank’s procurement policies, ensuring transparency and fairness. This rigorous approach will attract the best talent to support the initiative.
The deadline for expressions of interest is set for June 11, 2025. This timeline is crucial for maintaining momentum. The sooner the right partners are engaged, the quicker the benefits can be realized. The call for proposals is a clarion call for those who wish to be part of this transformative journey.
In conclusion, the iDICE Programme represents a significant step forward for Nigeria’s creative sector. It’s a multifaceted initiative that addresses funding, skills development, and ecosystem support. By fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, Nigeria is not just investing in its economy; it’s investing in its people. The future is bright, and the potential is limitless. As the creative sector flourishes, so too will the opportunities for all Nigerians. This is more than a program; it’s a movement towards a more prosperous and dynamic Nigeria. The stage is set, and the spotlight is on the creatives. Let the show begin.