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Tag: creative industries

  • CORA at 35: Expanding the Conversation with Podcast Station Launch, June 6

    CORA at 35: Expanding the Conversation with Podcast Station Launch, June 6

    The Committee for Relevant Arts (CORA), Nigeria’s foremost consortium of writers, journalists, artists and literary enthusiasts, is officially 35 years old on Tuesday June 2, 2026, having been founded and staged its first public outing on June 2, 1991.

    Though not staging any official event on the actual date, the leading advocate for the arts and culture of the nation and the continent, on Saturday June 6, 2026, at 4pm, will commemorate the milestone with the formal launch of its podcast station tentatively named “Voices from the CORAVille.”

    The station is located in its secretariat office space at the CORA Library & Resource Centre, CORAVille, Freedom Park, Lagos Island. It is manned by its Programme Directorate peopled by its cohorts of Associates and Volunteers drawn from the CORA Youth Creative Club. The new podcast initiative, which expands the organisation’s diverse range of activities is designed to deepen conversations around the creative and cultural industries through insightful interviews, critical commentaries and engaging dialogues.

    With a donation by its long-standing patron and support, David Awam Amkpa, professor of Culture Aesthetics with the Tisch School of Art, New York University, NY, and Vice Provost, New York University, Abu Dhabi, the podcast station aims to serve as a platform for thought leadership, knowledge sharing, and advocacy, helping to catalyse transformational change within the creative ecosystem.

    Toyin Akinosho, CORA’s visionary founder and Secretary-General, will be the special guest on the podcast’s maiden edition, which will take listeners back to CORA’s formative years, when the dream was crystallising, and yet take a firm grip. Right from the first Arts Stampede on June 2, 1991, and other baby-step activities that took place in Akinosho’s residential courtyard in FESTAC Town, Lagos, the podcast launch will help relive memories and remember early contributors to the development of CORA.

    Indeed, there is no other individual more suitable than Akinosho, who is expected to pull these strings of nostalgia, telling such epochal stories of an NGO that has grown steadily over the years, becoming home for cultural landscapists who have been instrumental in determining and shaping the country’s cultural horizon in the past 35 years.

    Jahman Anikulapo, CORA’s Program Chair described the double-barrel event as yet another milestone in the organisation’s history.

    “This double-barrel event is yet another history-making moment for CORA. It offers the opportunity to reflect deeply on CORA’s evolution in the last 35 years of active engagements in literacy campaigns, cultural advocacy and the shaping and structuring of Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.

    “We invite everyone who has followed CORA’s journey from its infancy to this remarkable period. Writers, journalists, art enthusiasts, culture advocates, activists and members of the general public are welcome to join us in commemorating CORA’s 35th anniversary and celebrating its enduring contributions to the nation’s cul-tural landscape.”

    The Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) was founded in June 1991 as a not-for-profit advocacy organisation to advance the cause of artistic and cultural production and expression. It was created and, has been over the decades managed by dedicated culture enthusiasts with the intent of making Nigeria a prime destination for art and culture tourism. CORA was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in Nigeria as a charity in 2007 as the CORA Art & Cultural Foundation. In 2006, the organisation was a recipient of the Prince Claus Award for Culture & Development.

    CORA has been instrumental to major policy shifts in the creative industries, the most recent of which is the ongoing revamp of the 50-year old National Theatre of Nigeria; the introduction and ongoing review of the Cultural Policy of Nigeria; the sustenance of the various culture parastatals of the Federal Government of Nigeria; and the epochal launch of the Bring Back the Book initiative by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    CORA organises regular art events, including live performance events and plenaries such as the quarterly CORA Art Stampede; the monthly CORA BookTrek, the periodic CORA Artists’ Forum, and the annual Lagos Book & Art Festival, LABAF, organised since 1999, and widely revered as the biggest of its type in the West Africa sub-region. These events constantly draw attendance from the creme of Nigeria’s art enthusiasts, practitioners and patrons and are regularly reported in the press.

    Ideas shared at CORA-organised forums have influenced major interventions in the literary, film, musical, visual and performative arts of Nigeria in the past three decades. CORA has consulted in the past for major organisations seeking to evaluate and revamp their CSR initiatives for the arts and culture sector.

  • 305 Young Lagosians. 29 Employers. One Room. The LSETF Career Expo 2026 Delivers on Its Promise

    305 Young Lagosians. 29 Employers. One Room. The LSETF Career Expo 2026 Delivers on Its Promise

    The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), with support from the Skills Development for Youth Employment Programme (SKYE II), implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German and Swiss governments, successfully hosted the Career Expo 2026 on Tuesday 12th May, 2026 at Maryland, Lagos, bringing together over 300 participants and 29 employers in a full-day event designed to connect skilled talent directly to employment opportunities.

    The event brought together trained young people aged 18 to 40, including recent graduates, NYSC members, and job seekers who have completed training under the Employability Support Project implemented by LSETF as part of the SKYE II programme. Employers represented a broad range of sectors including technology, finance, creative industries, consulting, logistics, customer service, and business support services, creating a dynamic environment for recruitment, networking, and career advancement.

    The event venue was filled to capacity as participants arrived with CVs in hand, eager to seize new opportunities and make their moment count. Panel sessions sparked lively and engaging discussions, with participants asking insightful questions and leaving with a renewed sense of direction and clarity about their career paths. Throughout the day, participants engaged in interviews, career conversations, employer engagement sessions, CV reviews, and networking opportunities designed to bridge the gap between training and employment. Several employers conducted on-the-spot interviews, while many participants received callback confirmations, internship opportunities, and advancement to the next stage of the recruitment process.

    The Career Expo takes place at an important moment in the relationship between Germany and Nigeria. Following the German-Nigerian Business Day, which took place on May 11th and gathered industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to strengthen bilateral ties in areas such as energy, technology, and skills development, the LSETF Career Expo serves as a practical example of what this partnership can achieve with creation of opportunities for participants.

    Speaking at the event, Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary, LSETF stated: “Today is proof that training alone is not enough. What young people need is the room where employers are sitting, where conversations happen, and where careers begin. That is what we have built today.”

    Svjetlana Djokic, Programme Component Manager at the Skills Development for Youth Employment Programme (SKYE II), GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS added: “Our shared goal is straightforward: to ensure that young people in Lagos State are equipped with job skills relevant to labour market needs and are connected with meaningful employment opportunities. Working in close partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment and private sector partners, we brought key stakeholders together on one platform to foster valuable connections and take a significant step towards reducing unemployment and driving inclusive local economic growth in Lagos State”

    Also highlighting the valuable importance of the training, Nwanne Nwonwu, Founder, The Talent Pipeline Company, stated that “I would like to commend the organizers for putting together an impactful and well-timed career forum. It was valuable engaging with diverse job seekers, especially youth corps members beginning their professional journeys, while also identifying potential talent for our clients. The panel sessions were insightful and practical, and we encourage more initiatives like this to help young people navigate their career paths and employment opportunities.”

    A Strengthened Partnership

    The LSETF Career Expo 2026 marks another significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between GIZ and LSETF in advancing youth employment and economic inclusion across Lagos State. Funded by the German and Swiss governments, the partnership reflects a shared conviction that the gap between skilled talent and meaningful employment is not inevitable, it is solvable.

    As both organisations look ahead, The Career Expo reaffirms a shared commitment to scaling this model and connecting more young Lagosians to more employers, and proving that with the right partnerships, youth unemployment in Lagos is a challenge that can be solved.

    The Employability Support Project, implemented by LSETF, has supported so far more than 1,500 youth across Lagos  including women, people with disabilities, job seekers, and entrepreneurs through employability training, career coaching, entrepreneurship support, workplace readiness programmes, mentorship, and industry engagement.

    Today’s Career Expo is the culmination of that investment, putting trained talent directly in front of the employers who need them.

  • NCC Board, Sanwo-Olu Deepens Ties to Boost Lagos Telecoms

    NCC Board, Sanwo-Olu Deepens Ties to Boost Lagos Telecoms

    The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), led by its Chairman, Chief Idris Olorunnimbe, has renewed its strategic engagement with the Lagos State Government following a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in Lagos.

    The visit underscored the shared commitment of both parties to deepen collaboration in addressing critical challenges within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, particularly as they affect Lagos State, the nation’s commercial and digital hub.

    During the meeting, discussions focused on strengthening institutional cooperation to support sustainable growth across the telecommunications ecosystem. Key issues highlighted included infrastructure development, protection of critical telecom assets, regulatory alignment, and the need to create an enabling environment that supports continued investment and innovation in the sector.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s readiness to work closely with the NCC in resolving industry bottlenecks and advancing policies that promote seamless deployment of telecom infrastructure. He noted that telecommunications remain a vital driver of economic growth, digital inclusion, and service delivery in Lagos, powering sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, creative industries and e-governance.

    Lagos State hosts the highest concentration of telecom subscribers, base stations and data traffic in Nigeria, making effective collaboration between the state government and the national regulator essential. Over the years, both institutions have engaged on issues ranging from right-of-way administration and multiple taxation to infrastructure protection and urban planning concerns.

    Chief Olorunnimbe, on behalf of the NCC Board, emphasised the importance of state-level partnerships in achieving national telecommunications objectives. He noted that effective regulation increasingly depends on cooperation with sub-national governments, particularly in states with high infrastructure density and economic activity like Lagos.

    Industry observers say the renewed engagement could help accelerate broadband expansion, improve infrastructure security and boost investor confidence, especially at a time when demand for data services continues to rise and operators face mounting deployment and operational challenges.

    The visit reflects a broader recognition that collaboration between regulators and state governments is critical to sustaining growth in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and positioning it as a cornerstone of the country’s digital economy.

    The NCC Board, led by Chairman Chief Idris Olorunnimbe, has paid a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to strengthen collaboration aimed at addressing telecom industry challenges and driving sustainable growth in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

    NCC Board and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu renew collaboration to strengthen telecom infrastructure, address industry challenges and support sustainable growth in Nigeria’s digital economy.

  • Pivot Nigeria 2025: ‘Reframing the Lens’ Inspires A Positive National Narrative

    Pivot Nigeria 2025: ‘Reframing the Lens’ Inspires A Positive National Narrative

    Pivot Nigeria:Reframing the Lens is a national thought leadership platform created to reset Nigeria’s reputation agenda. Powered by HighStakes Public Relations Professionals (HighStakes PR Professionals), Pivot Nigeria catalyses dialogue to inspire pride, amplify authentic narratives, and co-create a stronger, more balanced Nigeria narrative.

    The inaugural Pivot Nigeria Conference, held recently, brought together thought leaders, innovators, journalists, entrepreneurs and youth to emphasise the urgent need for Nigerians to own and shape Nigeria’s narrative. The conference blended high-impact keynotes, panels and hands-on co-creation labs to inspire action.  

    Urging attendees to become ambassadors of truth and optimism for Nigeria, Pivot Nigeria convener, Victoria Uwadoka-Anyianuka set the tone: “We are not here to complain or to lament; we are here to reframe the lens on how we see ourselves as Nigerians. Changing how others see us starts with how we present and represent ourselves. Our mission is to challenge the prevailing narratives, to spotlight authentic stories, and to co-create a narrative that reflects Nigeria’s true story.”

    The conviction that Nigerians must first change how they see themselves before looking for external validation echoed throughout the day, from the keynote and plenary sessions to the co-creation labs. The conference focused on culture as capital, who tells our story and why it matters, reconciling criticism with commitment, and the role of the media in changing the narrative. 

    Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo, Nigerian actor, lawyer, filmmaker, and cultural icon popularly known as RMD spoke about the paradoxes of Nigeria: “Nigeria is a beautiful country. It is a great country. On the one hand, it can frustrate you to the point where you feel like ‘I’m getting out.’ But on the other hand, it can give you so much that you’ll be wondering why it took you so long to unlock the keys that give you entrance to the bountiful opportunities that you find in Nigeria.”  

    He added that Nigeria, as a country, needs to go back to the drawing board, to see who we are, “It is when you have articulated who you are that your people can see.” 

    On his part, Mr. Emeka Mba, Founder and CEO of AfiaTV said, “Who tells your story and how it is told is often how you are seen. Too often, our stories are told by outsiders. Building inclusive national narratives, consistent cultural diplomacy, and deliberate policies to rebuild trust are essential to shaping how the world perceives us. If you look at emerging news platforms like AfiaTV and News Central, there is a deliberate editorial direction, a recognition of the power the media wields, and the duty it has to project balanced, accurate, and responsible portrayals of Nigeria, particularly to international audiences.”

    Speaking in the same vein, Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, Director, Commercial and Communications, News Central TV said,  “The story of Nigeria, in all its complexity, courage and brilliance, must no longer be told by others, through filters of fear or foreign bias. It must be told by us: boldly, responsibly, and completely.  For far too long, the image reflected of Nigeria has been distorted, reduced to the cliches of conflict, corruption, disease, and despair.”  

    Emphasising the critical role of the media in changing the narrative, Rosemary added,  “At News Central TV, we took a stand. We chose to change the narrative not by ignoring the challenges, but by contextualising them, by highlighting progress alongside problems, and most importantly, by amplifying voices that are too often silenced and overlooked.” 

    Pivot Nigeria conference participants converted ideas into action in the co-creation labs and proffered solutions: reclaim Nigeria’s story through citizen action; promote balanced, indigenous storytelling; embed civic education and national values in school curricula; leverage creative industries (film, music, fashion, tech) as soft-power engines; push for stronger accountability in governance; and scale Pivot Nigeria through campus ambassadors and community chapters to sustain awareness about the currency of reputation as capital. 

    Nneka Isaac-Moses, Meche Isaac-Moses, Nina Anyianuka, Temitope Aina, and Nneamaka Nwadei highlighted narrative power as a tool of diplomacy, trade, and cohesion, urging collective action by the media and all stakeholders to reclaim the Nigeria story. 

    The “Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens” initiative is a call for citizens, creatives, media houses, government institutions, the private sector and the diaspora to interrogate and reframe their presentation and representation of Nigeria, and to use their everyday platforms (including social media) responsibly to reflect a balanced, authentic Nigeria narrative. 

  • World Sports Photography Awards 2026 – sponsored by Canon – now open for entries

    World Sports Photography Awards 2026 – sponsored by Canon – now open for entries

    …The 2025 awards marked a record-breaking year, attracting over 2,200 photographers from 97 countries submitting work across more than 50 sports

    World Sports Photography Awards, the world’s leading celebration of sports photography, today announces Canon as the Official Imaging Partner for the highly-anticipated 2026 awards. Celebrating the world’s finest sports photographers, the free to enter awards recognise images that capture the passion, raw emotion, athleticism, and focus at the heart of sport.

    Judged by leading figures from sport, media, photography, branding, and the creative industries, the World Sports Photography Awards has firmly established itself as the world’s biggest celebration of sports photography. The 2025 awards marked a record-breaking year, attracting over 2,200 photographers from 97 countries submitting work across more than 50 sports. Extensive international media coverage and participation from leading sports organisations underscored the award’s continued global growth and influence.

    Commenting on Canon’s sponsorship of the awards and what we can expect for 2026, World Sports Photography Awards Co-Founder, Simon Burton, said: “If there’s one name synonymous with sports photography, it’s Canon. We couldn’t be more honoured or excited to welcome Canon to World Sports Photography Awards. It’s been an incredible year for sport around the world, and we are eager to see the images submitted this year across sports and geographies.”

    Canon has a long and proud history in sports photography, equipping generations of photographers with the tools to capture iconic sporting moments that have defined eras. A brand-new and exciting addition for the 2026 edition is the ‘Canon Emerging Talent’ award. This dedicated category will shine a spotlight on the next generation of sports photographers, specifically recognising young and upcoming talent under the age of 30 for their unique skill, creativity, and passion in capturing the drama and beauty of sport.

    Richard Shepherd, Product Marketing Senior Manager, Imaging at Canon Europe, adds:“Canon has a proud legacy of supporting professional sports photographers and helping them capture some of the most iconic moments in sporting history. With the introduction of the ‘Canon Emerging Talent’ award, we’re building on that heritage by extending our support to the next generation of visual storytellers. This new category celebrates the creativity and passion of up-and-coming photographers and reflects our ongoing commitment to providing the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.”

    With this announcement, the 2026 awards are now officially open for entries. Participants from across the industry and globe are invited to submit their work and gain recognition on one of the most celebrated stages in the field.

    For 2026, photographers are invited to submit up to 10 images captured between December 2024 and November 2025 across 24 sports categories. Submissions are free of charge and close on 24 November 2025. Please note that images entered in the 2025 competition are not eligible.

    Key details:

    • Entries open: 01 October 2025
    • Submission deadline: 24 November 2025
    • Eligibility: Up to 10 images taken between December 2024– November 2025
    • Categories: 24 sports categories
    • Cost: Free of charge

    The World Sports Photography Awards, sponsored by Canon, continue to celebrate the art of sports photography – showcasing the images and photographers that inspire audiences around the world.

  • Nigerians among Finalists Announced for the 2025 Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards

    Nigerians among Finalists Announced for the 2025 Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards


    …Held annually as part of the AWIEF Conference, the AWIEF Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs and business leaders across the African continent

    The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) announces the finalists for the prestigious AWIEF Awards for 2025.

    Held annually as part of the AWIEF Conference, the AWIEF Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs and business leaders across the African continent. The aim is to shine a spotlight on women who are driving innovation, building impactful businesses, advancing gender equality, and contributing to Africa’s inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

    “The AWIEF Awards are a powerful platform to honour women whose innovation, resilience, and leadership are shaping the future of Africa,” said Irene Ochem, AWIEF Founder and CEO. “Our 2025 finalists embody the transformative role women entrepreneurs play in creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.”

    This year’s finalists were selected by an international panel of judges from a highly competitive pool of outstanding nominees spanning diverse sectors, from technology and agriculture to energy, creative industries, and social entrepreneurship. Their journeys exemplify the resilience, ingenuity, and leadership of African women shaping the future of the continent.

    AWIEF AWARDS 2025 FINALISTS (listed in alphabetical order)

    Young Entrepreneur Award

    Norah Kimathi – Kenya
    Enyo Kossiwa Midjresso-Amouzou – Togo
    Chisom Victory Okorie – Nigeria

    Empowerment Award

    Mathildah Amollo – Kenya
    Naima Mohamed – Somalia
    Mampho Sotshongaye – South Africa

    Energy Entrepreneur Award

    Chenez Henderson – South Africa
    Rufaro Marufu – Zimbabwe
    Nidal Tafah – Morocco

    Creative Industry Award

    Mahlet Afework – Ethiopia
    Stella Ndekile – Nigeria
    Soraya da Piedade – Angola

    Social Entrepreneur Award

    Farana Boodhram – South Africa
    Naom Monari – Kenya
    Barbara Nabigambo – Uganda

    Agri Entrepreneur Award

    Linda Davis – Kenya
    Ruth Ede – Nigeria
    Millicent Okumu – Kenya
    Josephine Takundwa – Zimbabwe

    Tech Entrepreneur Award

    Vivian Arinaitwe – Uganda
    Maryanne Gichanga – Kenya
    Naledi Magowe – Botswana

    Recognizing Africa’s Women Leaders

    The AWIEF Awards continue to champion women-led innovation and enterprise across Africa, celebrating women who are not only creating successful businesses but also making a positive social and economic impact in their communities and beyond.

    Join Us at AWIEF2025

    The winners of the AWIEF Awards 2025 will be announced at awards ceremony and gala dinner which will take place during the AWIEF Conference, Exhibition and Awards, taking place on 30 – 31 October 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town, South Africa.

  • Nigeria is reclaiming its cultural power: storytelling, stewardship and self determination

    Nigeria is reclaiming its cultural power: storytelling, stewardship and self determination

    A powerful cultural renaissance is underway in Nigeria, where communities are reclaiming their heritage and reimagining their future with confidence and clarity. Long known for its vibrant artistic traditions and dynamic creative industries, the country is now investing in cultural preservation and innovation as key drivers of identity, resilience, and economic growth.

    “Art and material culture offer a way to erase colonial boundaries and place histories in relation to one another. A single bead shows us how trade and innovation thrived across West Africa long before European demarcation,” explains Ore Disu, cultural strategist and founding director of the Institute of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).

    Themes of memory, belonging, and cultural autonomy are explored in the new season of Dreaming in Color, a podcast by The Bridgespan Group. In Episode 6, Disu reflects on Nigeria’s resurgence as part of a broader continental movement—one that champions African stories told in African voices, honoring complexity over spectacle and legacy over loss.

    This sense of reconnection is at the heart of a movement to revive and recontextualise cultural assets—not just through the repatriation of artefacts, but by rebuilding the ecosystems around them. Infrastructure, education, funding, and platforms for artists are essential to ensuring that creativity continues to flourish and evolve within context.

    In Benin City, the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is emerging as a cornerstone of this cultural revival. Though located in Nigeria, MOWAA is conceived as a regional institution—one that centres West African art and heritage in all its diversity. More than a repository of artefacts, it is a living space where traditional practices, local voices, and global conversations converge. Here, young curators are trained, communities engage deeply with their histories, and international visitors are invited into an ongoing dialogue about belonging and meaning.

    While West Africa’s story is not solely defined by what was taken—but by what endures and thrives. For example, while the 1897 British invasion of Benin led to the looting of thousands of sacred objects, the Edo people’s cultural legacy continues to inspire pride, creativity, and a renewed commitment to restoration.

    Unlike the sterile display cases of Western museums, Western African artefacts were historically housed in palaces, shrines, and community spaces—woven into the daily lives and spiritual practices of the people. That participatory ethos remains central today, with cultural institutions striving to be both guardians of tradition and catalysts for contemporary expression.

    “The economic stakes are just as high as the symbolic ones,” says Disu. “Nigeria’s creative industries—spanning music, film, fashion, design, and literature—are globally influential. Yet they still need greater investment and recognition.”

    In Nigeria, heritage preservation and artistic innovation go hand in hand. Institutions like MOWAA not only safeguard the past but also cultivate future generations of creators, leaders, and cultural stewards.

    “It’s really important that when we think about politically weighty subjects, like restitution, we go beyond just acts of Eurocentric return and guilt washing. And then we ask ourselves as Africans, as Black people, as human beings, what do we want out of this moment, and how do we make it really about us?” says Disu.

    These possibilities are strengthened through trust-based funding, support for local talent, and the celebration of ideas that do not rely on external validation. When artists and communities are empowered to define their own narratives, they shape a future rooted in pride, purpose, and potential.

    The goal is not simply to reclaim what was taken, but to create enduring institutions, language, and spaces that reflect—and expand—the possibilities for future generations.

  • LASG, BOI to sign MoU to boost SME access to Finance

    LASG, BOI to sign MoU to boost SME access to Finance

    The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, is set to officially sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bank of Industry (BOI) and Sterling Bank as part of efforts to boost access to finance for small and medium-scale entrepreneurs across the state.

    The signing ceremony, which is part of activities for the launch of a new initiative tagged Lagos State Access to Finance for SMEs through Co-operatives (LASMECO) programme, is billed to hold on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Adeyemi Bero Hall, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

    According to the Honourable Commissioner of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose, LASMECO is a first-of-its-kind public-private financing platform that aims to deliver low-interest, risk-mitigated loans to SMEs across strategic sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, creative industries, manufacturing, and circular economy clusters.

    Ambrose explained that the initiative is a game changer that will accelerate access to finance for SME business owners in the state by providing a loan of up to Ten Million Naira at a 9% interest rate for two to three years. She added that the loans are non-collateralised and will be 50% guaranteed by Sterling Bank.

    She disclosed that the Access to Finance for SMEs initiative, which is to be launched by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the event, would be witnessed by key stakeholders in both public and private sectors, including Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BOI), Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Abubakar Suleiman, President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Francis Meshioye and President, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Gabriel Idahosa.

    During the launch, the Honourable Commissioner will sign the MoU on behalf of the state government, while the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry will do same for the bank.

    The programme’s launch marks a significant milestone in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ economic transformation agenda and pathway to industrial inclusiveness in Lagos State.

  • Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Announces Finalists for the 2024 AWIEF Awards

    Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Announces Finalists for the 2024 AWIEF Awards

    …this year, the finalists have been selected from a diverse group of talented women founders and business owners across the continent, each demonstrating excellence in their respective fields

     The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) is delighted to announce the finalists for the prestigious 2024 AWIEF Awards, set to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Africa’s women entrepreneurs and business leaders. The awards, held annually as part of the AWIEF conference, honor the impact of women entrepreneurs in driving innovation, promoting gender equality, and contributing to Africa’s economic development.

    This year, the finalists have been selected from a diverse group of talented women founders and business owners across the continent, each demonstrating excellence in their respective fields. The finalists span categories such as agriculture, technology, creative industries, social entrepreneurship, and more. Their accomplishments are a testament to the power, resilience, and innovative spirit of African women in business.

    Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order) for the 2024 AWIEF Awards:

    1. Young Entrepreneur Award

    Mpho Hlongwane – MH Automotive Engineering (South Africa)

    Adeline Pelage – Madinina Foods (Cameroon)

    Jessy Radwan – Carerha (Egypt)

    2. Agri Entrepreneur Award

    Naledi Magowe – Brastorne (Botswana)

    Ifeoma Okonkwo – Ifgreen Industries & Investment (Nigeria)

    Cherotich Rutto – Tawifresh Kenya Limited (Kenya)

    3. Creative Industry Award

    Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana – Thabo Makhetha CC (South Africa)

    Jenny Edwige Mezile – L’École D’Arts les Pieds dans la Mare de Jenny Mezile (Côte d’Ivoire)

    Jane Mpholo – Jane Mpholo Pty Ltd (South Africa)

    4. Empowerment Award

    Fomum Victorine Agum – Global Women Emancipation in Sports (Cameroon)

    Judy Makira – Centre for Women Empowerment in Technology (Kenya)

    Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu – CLM Clothing & Textile (South Africa)

    5. Tech Entrepreneur Award

    Ynes Hafi – ARSELA (Tunisia)

    Peace Iraguha – Lifesten Health (Rwanda)

    Christiana Okere – myStash (Nigeria)

    6. Social Entrepreneur Award

    Osen Iyahen – Optimal Greening Foundation (Nigeria)

    Temitope Mayegun – Avilla Naturalle (Nigeria)

    Tsholofelo Ramokoka – AddressDox (South Africa)Recognizing Africa’s Women Leaders The AWIEF Awards continue to celebrate women who are making waves across industries, empowering communities, and setting new benchmarks in entrepreneurship. The finalists represent a diverse array of sectors, highlighting the depth and breadth of women’s contributions to Africa’s economic landscape. AWIEF Awards Ceremony The winners of the 2024 AWIEF Awards will be announced at the AWIEF Awards Ceremony on November 29, 2024, during the AWIEF Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. The event promises to be a night of inspiration, celebration, and a testament to the transformative power of women-led businesses in Africa. Join us for AWIEF2024 Don’t miss this opportunity to join the celebration and be part of Africa’s most impactful conference for women entrepreneurs.

    Register Now: https://apo-opa.co/4eMq1Nh

  • Listicles- Copyright 101: What Every Nigerian Creator Needs to Know

    Listicles- Copyright 101: What Every Nigerian Creator Needs to Know

    If you’ve ever created something — a song, film, book, or even a cool design, you’ve probably wondered, “How can I make sure no one else takes credit for my work?” The answer lies in copyright. Copyright is a legal concept that grants you ownership and control over the use and distribution of creative works, including books, videos, films, musical compositions, and more.

    While Nigeria is home to many talented creators, the creative industry faces a significant challenge: content piracy. Piracy isn’t just about someone stealing your work; it has a ripple effect that can cripple the entire industry. When piracy spreads, it doesn’t just hurt creators, it impacts audiences too. With fewer people willing to invest in local content, the number of great shows, movies, and music we all enjoy could dwindle.

    So, how can you protect your work? To effectively combat content piracy, it’s essential to understand the copyright laws and protections available to you. Here are eight key things you need to know about copyright in Nigeria to safeguard your work or business from piracy:

    1. Copyright Registration Matters in Nigeria

    In many African countries, copyright protection is automatically applied as soon as your work is created—no need to fill out forms or pay fees. However, Nigeria operates a notification system called the Nigerian Copyright e-Registration System (NCeRS), administered by the Nigerian Copyright Commission. This system allows you to register your work, providing evidence of the creation date and other details in case of a dispute.

    It’s smart to keep clear records of your work, including when and how it was created, and to register your work with the Commission.

    2. Copyright Lasts a Long Time

    For most creative works, copyright protection lasts for 50 years. However, this depends on the type of work. In Nigeria, copyright protection for literary, musical, and artistic works lasts for 70 years after the author’s death. Cinematograph films, broadcasts, photographs, and sound recordings are protected for 50 years after the end of the year in which the work was first published. This means your work is protected for a long time, giving you or your family control over how it’s used.

    3. You Have Exclusive Rights

    As the copyright owner, you have the exclusive right to decide how your work is used. You can control who reproduces, distributes, or performs your work. Understanding these rights is key to ensuring your creation is used in ways you’re comfortable with and potentially earning some money from it!

    4. Copyright Can Be Transferred

    Just like you can sell or rent out a house, you can transfer your copyright to someone else. This could be through a sale, inheritance, or even a licensing deal where someone pays you to use your work for a specific purpose, often in exchange for royalties.

    5. Always Use Contracts

    When collaborating with other creators, a solid contract is essential. Ensure you have a comprehensive agreement that outlines who owns what, how the work can be used, and any compensation involved. This helps avoid future disputes and ensures everyone’s on the same page from the start.

    6. Piracy is a Major Problem

    Piracy is like a silent thief that takes more than just your work—it undermines the entire creative community by discouraging investment in local content. So be vigilant.

    Thankfully, companies like MultiChoice Africa are on the frontlines, working to protect African stories and support local creators by fighting against piracy.

    7. Laws Keep Changing

    Copyright laws aren’t set in stone; they evolve as technology and creative industries change. It’s important to stay updated on the latest laws in Nigeria and other countries where you plan to collaborate to ensure your work is always protected.

    8. You’re Not Alone—Help is Available

    Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) exist to help you protect your rights and support a sustainable creative industry. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

    MultiChoice Africa also actively partners with CMOs across the continent to ensure fair compensation is distributed to creators when their work is used. This approach supports a sustainable creative industry where creators are recognized and rewarded for their work. Through campaigns like Partners Against Piracy, MultiChoice Africa is investing in anti-piracy measures that contribute to the growth of the African film and TV industry, ultimately leading to higher-quality productions and increased global recognition.

    As Frikkie Jonker, Director of Broadcast Cybersecurity and Anti-Piracy at Irdeto, a partner of MultiChoice Africa, puts it: “When copyrighted property is stolen, it’s not just content that’s being taken—it’s the livelihoods, the families, and the futures of the creators who poured their heart and soul into their work. This is why the fight against piracy is so critical—it is a fight to protect people’s right to earn a living from their creative abilities and production skills.”

    At the end of the day, understanding and using copyright protection is crucial for anyone involved in the creative industries. It’s more than just safeguarding your work; it’s about securing the future of creatives across Africa. So, whether you’re a creator, a business, or simply someone who loves African stories, let’s all do our part to support and protect the amazing work coming out of this continent as we continue to fight against piracy.

  • Multimillion-dollar boost for small business through MultiChoice Africa Accelerator Programme

    Multimillion-dollar boost for small business through MultiChoice Africa Accelerator Programme

    Following the success of the MultiChoice (www.MultiChoice.com) Africa Accelerator (https://bit.ly/3OtthRz) Programme, which secured $16 million (USD) of funding for six emerging businesses last year, the programme has been expanded to eight more countries across Africa.

    Many more small businesses in Africa’s technology sector now have the chance to benefit from the 2023 programme, which provides the skills and opportunities needed to attract transformative business funding.

    “We’re really excited to be expanding the MultiChoice Africa Accelerator Programme to more African countries,” said Calvo Mawela, MultiChoice Group CEO, announcing the launch. “It’s part of our long-term commitment to growing and multiplying Africa’s technology potential, which is critical to our future growth.”

    The MultiChoice Africa Accelerator Programme, which kicked off during Global Entrepreneurship Week,  is aimed at established start-ups and small enterprises in specific technology sectors – healthtech, agritech, fintech, edutech, the circular economy and the creative industries.

    “There is such incredible business talent across Africa,” said Mawela. “MultiChoice Africa Accelerator is an opportunity for investors and small enterprise to collaborate to multiply the impact of this talent and scale it across Africa.”

    Having started in South Africa in 2021, the MultiChoice Africa Accelerator is expanding to Cote D’Ivoire, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Angola and Ethiopia. The initiative equips emerging entrepreneurs to secure funding and scale up their businesses, and also provides opportunities to pitch to international investors.

    African Development Bank President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina has previously noted (https://bit.ly/3U0gRSu) that, “the private sector is Africa’s growth accelerator”, and several (https://MSEA.go.ke) African (https://SMEDAN.gov.ng)  nations (http://www.DSBD.gov.za)  have backed small-business development as part of their economic strategy. The MultiChoice Africa Accelerator dovetails with these development objectives.

    The MultiChoice Africa Accelerator Programme is an initiative of the MultiChoice Innovation Fund, in collaboration with Dubai-based business incubator Companies Creating Change (C3) (https://www.WeGrowwithc3.com), which gives entrepreneurs access to the tools, skills and financial support to grow their business. MultiChoice has also partnered with EOH, a tech services company that will bring their expertise to the table especially in terms of tech advisory, development sprint and technical support.

    The first phase of the MultiChoice Africa Accelerator Programme sees public and private-sector partners in each country nominating businesses or entrepreneurs for the programme. From there, 29 of the start-ups embark on an intensive virtual training course. The initiative is aimed at established businesses that are already operating and looking to scale up by attracting further investment.

    “Start-up founders get to learn everything from how to properly research your business sector and your market, to how to create a niche for your business,” says Boitumelo Monageng, of Swypa, one of last year’s finalists. “During the workshops we were encouraged to dig deeper and I realised that we have the potential to compete on a much larger scale.”

    The virtual training course takes place over several weeks, teaching start-up owners media skills, how best to market their businesses to investors, how to create attractive business plans, and to know what investors are looking for.

    Later, the entrepreneurs will come together at a finals event, where 11 start-ups will be selected for the final pitch phase. They will attend a dedicated C3 boot camp to learn how to shape their story for international investors, and to get “pitch ready” before their big presentations.

    “We believe SMEs in the technology, sustainability and creative sectors will be fundamental to the next phase of Africa’s growth,” says Mawela. “The MultiChoice Africa Accelerator is geared to finding the most promising start-ups, and empowering them to play this critical role.”

  • Chenist Communications Hosts Session at Africa NXT 2022

    Chenist Communications Hosts Session at Africa NXT 2022

    Chenist Communications, a fast-rising strategic communications company in Lagos, is set to host a panel session at the much-anticipated tech social event of the year, AfricaNXT, which is a gathering of the largest number of innovators from across Africa and the diaspora.

    The session, themed “Creative Inclusion: Telling the Africa Story through Strategic Communications” will have some of the eggheads in the media and creative industries, discuss the need to adopt creativity in telling the African story using strategic communications.

    Speaking on the company’s participation at the annual event, Ekene Ajayi, Client Service Director, Chenist Communications, who will be moderating the session, remarked that it is an opportunity to challenge the negative perception about the African continent and to inspire ideas that project Africa’s creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.

    In her statement, she said, “It is time for us to start telling our own side of the story rather than continue to allow people tell just the negatives. To do this, we must be deliberate and creative in our approach while leveraging on strategic communications, hence why we decided to go with the theme.”

    The lineup of panelist for the session include; the Regional Editor, The Conversation Africa, Adejuwon Soyinka; PR Lead, 9mobile, Chineze Amanfo; Executive Director, Strategy and Innovation, Yellow Brick Road, Nnenna Onyewuchi and Chief Operating Officer, Envivo Communications Limited, Uzoma Onwuchekwa.

    AfricaNXT provides a platform that is keenly focused on the continent, serving a global community eager to connect to Africa from all verticals.

    For the 2022 edition, the organisers are tasking everyone, including, speakers and attendees to reimagine what’s possible, to rethink the approach to innovation and to radically collaborate.