October 20, (THEWILL) — Nigeria and France have strengthened their cultural and creative ties, with renewed commitments to promote creative and cultural industries across the continent.
Speaking at the Création Africa Forum Pitching Award ceremony held in Lagos, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, welcomed France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, and applauded the French Government for its sustained investment in Nigeria’s creative industries.
She noted that France’s backing for sustainable creative infrastructure was helping to empower young innovators and boost Nigeria’s global cultural influence.
Musawa stressed the shared values of creativity, innovation and cultural diplomacy that underpin relations between both nations. She said the partnership aligned with the vision of President Bola Tinubu and President Emmanuel Macron to foster stronger bilateral cooperation and position Africa’s creative economy as a driver of inclusive growth and social transformation.
The forum also celebrated Nigeria’s artistic excellence with an exhibition dedicated to Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, whose music remains an inspiration to global movements for freedom and identity. Guests were later treated to a live performance by Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, highlighting Nigeria’s vibrant musical heritage.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership as Africa’s creative hub, Musawa pledged government support for cultural exchange, talent export and creative infrastructure growth. She described the Création Africa Forum as “a new chapter of collaboration between Africa and Europe, anchored on mutual respect, innovation and shared prosperity through the arts.”
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