August 12, (THEWILL) — The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), with the approval of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, has launched the Council for Creative Technology Futures (CCTF), a national initiative aimed at positioning Nigeria at the forefront of global innovation where culture meets technology.
With Nigeria’s creative economy projected to surpass $25 billion by 2025, the CCTF will serve as a high-level platform for policy, strategy, and implementation, harnessing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Web3, and blockchain across more than 49 creative industry sectors.
“This Council is about merging culture and code, storytelling and smart contracts, heritage and innovation. We are not just reacting to global change; we are leading it from Africa”, Obi Asika, Director General of NCAC, said.
The CCTF will guide the creative industries into a digitally empowered future, equip creators with global tools and market access, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a cultural and technological powerhouse. It will deliver the National Creative-Tech Framework and Roadmap (2025–2030) in alignment with the National AI Strategy, Executive Order 005, and the Digital Economy Policy, while working with sister agencies in culture and tourism and engaging stakeholders.
Membership is on a pro bono basis, reflecting national service and commitment to a digitally driven creative sector. Strategic partnerships will be forged with global organisations, including the British Council, University for the Creative Arts UK, UNESCO, Google, Meta, AfDB, GIZ, the EU, Netflix, and other technology and development partners to mobilise investment, expertise, and exposure for Nigeria’s creative-tech future.
Inaugural members include Charles Emembolu (Chairman), Misan Harriman, Dayo Elegbe, Bizzle Oshikoya, Kemi Awodein, Osas Peter, Malik Afegbua, Sandra Oyewole, Judith Okonkwo, Dr Dahiru Sani, and Dr Chinedu Odoala.
Asika described the launch as a milestone, adding: “We are building the foundation for Nigeria’s creative future where our stories, music, art, and innovation are protected, monetised, and celebrated globally.”
THEWILL recalls reporting that, in a significant boost for Nigeria’s creative economy, Asika, who also serves as Co-Chair of the UK-Nigeria Creatives Technical Working Group, highlighted the potential of the newly launched collaboration between Nigeria and the UK under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership. The initiative, he noted, will drive growth in music, film, fashion, gaming, and digital media, with the new deal to be published soon, opening fresh opportunities for the sector.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
