Igniting Nigeria's Creative Economy: A Call to Action for Innovation and Support
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, yet they face challenges that could stifle their growth. The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) is taking decisive steps to foster innovation and entrepreneurship through the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme. This initiative, backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), aims to transform the creative landscape.
The iDICE Programme is not just a funding initiative; it’s a lifeline for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators. It seeks to create jobs, enhance social development, and stimulate economic transformation. The vision is clear: to build a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures creativity and technological advancement.
At the heart of this initiative is the Creative Enterprise Support Organization Program (CESOP). This program is a multi-faceted approach designed to empower the creative economy through four key components: Hackathons and Creative Competitions, a Startup Voucher Program, a Startup Incubation Program, and an Enterprise Support Organization Training Program. Each component plays a crucial role in shaping a resilient and innovative creative sector.
The first component, Hackathons and Creative Competitions, is a call to arms for innovators. These events will be held across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, creating a platform for collaboration among creatives, startups, and industry stakeholders. The goal is to foster innovation that addresses real challenges within the creative economy.
Imagine a vibrant space where ideas collide, and creativity flows. Participants will not only showcase their talents but also compete for recognition and support. The winning teams will receive mentorship and resources to bring their ideas to life. This is more than just competition; it’s about building a community of innovators who can drive change.
Next, the Startup Voucher Program aims to provide financial support to budding entrepreneurs. This initiative will help them access the resources they need to launch their ventures. By offering vouchers, the program lowers the barriers to entry for startups, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: innovation and growth.
This program is a beacon of hope for many. It recognizes that financial constraints can stifle creativity. By alleviating some of these pressures, the Startup Voucher Program empowers entrepreneurs to dream bigger and reach further.
The Startup Incubation Program is designed to provide a nurturing environment for startups. It offers tailored support, mentorship, and resources to help new businesses thrive. This is where ideas take root and grow into sustainable enterprises.
The program will focus on capacity building, helping startups develop essential skills in governance, financial management, and market strategies. By equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need, the program ensures that they are not just surviving but thriving in a competitive landscape.
The final component, the Enterprise Support Organization (ESO) Training Program, is crucial for strengthening the support structures within Nigeria’s creative sectors. This program will identify weaknesses in existing ESOs and provide targeted training to enhance their capabilities.
A robust support system is essential for the success of any creative economy. By investing in ESOs, the iDICE Programme ensures that entrepreneurs have access to the guidance and resources they need. This is about building a strong foundation for the future of Nigeria’s creative landscape.
To implement these ambitious programs, the iDICE Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) is seeking consultants with proven experience in organizing hackathons, competitions, and training programs. This is an opportunity for firms to contribute to a transformative initiative that will shape the future of Nigeria’s creative economy.
Consultants will be tasked with designing and executing the hackathons and training programs, ensuring that they align with the needs of the creative sector. This is a chance to make a tangible impact, to be part of a movement that fosters innovation and creativity.
The iDICE Programme is a bold step towards revitalizing Nigeria’s creative economy. It recognizes the potential of the digital and creative sectors to drive economic growth and social development. By fostering innovation, providing support, and building capacity, Nigeria can unleash a wave of creativity that will resonate far beyond its borders.
As the deadline for expressions of interest approaches, the call to action is clear. Consultants and firms are invited to join this journey. Together, we can ignite the spark of innovation and create a thriving ecosystem that empowers the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs. The future is bright, and it starts now.
The iDICE Programme is not just a funding initiative; it’s a lifeline for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators. It seeks to create jobs, enhance social development, and stimulate economic transformation. The vision is clear: to build a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures creativity and technological advancement.
At the heart of this initiative is the Creative Enterprise Support Organization Program (CESOP). This program is a multi-faceted approach designed to empower the creative economy through four key components: Hackathons and Creative Competitions, a Startup Voucher Program, a Startup Incubation Program, and an Enterprise Support Organization Training Program. Each component plays a crucial role in shaping a resilient and innovative creative sector.
Hackathons and Creative Competitions: Fueling Innovation
The first component, Hackathons and Creative Competitions, is a call to arms for innovators. These events will be held across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, creating a platform for collaboration among creatives, startups, and industry stakeholders. The goal is to foster innovation that addresses real challenges within the creative economy.
Imagine a vibrant space where ideas collide, and creativity flows. Participants will not only showcase their talents but also compete for recognition and support. The winning teams will receive mentorship and resources to bring their ideas to life. This is more than just competition; it’s about building a community of innovators who can drive change.
Startup Voucher Program: A Boost for New Ventures
Next, the Startup Voucher Program aims to provide financial support to budding entrepreneurs. This initiative will help them access the resources they need to launch their ventures. By offering vouchers, the program lowers the barriers to entry for startups, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: innovation and growth.
This program is a beacon of hope for many. It recognizes that financial constraints can stifle creativity. By alleviating some of these pressures, the Startup Voucher Program empowers entrepreneurs to dream bigger and reach further.
Startup Incubation Program: Nurturing Growth
The Startup Incubation Program is designed to provide a nurturing environment for startups. It offers tailored support, mentorship, and resources to help new businesses thrive. This is where ideas take root and grow into sustainable enterprises.
The program will focus on capacity building, helping startups develop essential skills in governance, financial management, and market strategies. By equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need, the program ensures that they are not just surviving but thriving in a competitive landscape.
Enterprise Support Organization Training Program: Strengthening the Backbone
The final component, the Enterprise Support Organization (ESO) Training Program, is crucial for strengthening the support structures within Nigeria’s creative sectors. This program will identify weaknesses in existing ESOs and provide targeted training to enhance their capabilities.
A robust support system is essential for the success of any creative economy. By investing in ESOs, the iDICE Programme ensures that entrepreneurs have access to the guidance and resources they need. This is about building a strong foundation for the future of Nigeria’s creative landscape.
A Call for Consultants: Building the Future Together
To implement these ambitious programs, the iDICE Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) is seeking consultants with proven experience in organizing hackathons, competitions, and training programs. This is an opportunity for firms to contribute to a transformative initiative that will shape the future of Nigeria’s creative economy.
Consultants will be tasked with designing and executing the hackathons and training programs, ensuring that they align with the needs of the creative sector. This is a chance to make a tangible impact, to be part of a movement that fosters innovation and creativity.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
The iDICE Programme is a bold step towards revitalizing Nigeria’s creative economy. It recognizes the potential of the digital and creative sectors to drive economic growth and social development. By fostering innovation, providing support, and building capacity, Nigeria can unleash a wave of creativity that will resonate far beyond its borders.
As the deadline for expressions of interest approaches, the call to action is clear. Consultants and firms are invited to join this journey. Together, we can ignite the spark of innovation and create a thriving ecosystem that empowers the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs. The future is bright, and it starts now.