The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub has launched a new funding initiative aimed at strengthening artificial intelligence and digital skills across Nigeria’s creative industries, including film, fashion and music.
The programme is designed to help creatives in Nigeria adopt emerging technologies, improve production capabilities and expand their access to global markets, while also deepening collaboration with the United Kingdom.
Officials behind the initiative say the fund will support training and capacity-building for professionals seeking to integrate AI tools and digital platforms into their work, enabling them to scale businesses and improve competitiveness in fast-evolving creative sectors.
The creative economy in Nigeria has grown rapidly in recent years, driven by global demand for Nollywood films, Afrobeats music and African fashion brands. However, industry stakeholders say limited access to advanced digital tools and training has slowed full-scale expansion.
The new programme seeks to address that gap by equipping creators with practical skills in areas such as digital production, content distribution, AI-assisted design and data-driven marketing.
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By focusing on technology adoption, the initiative aims to help artists and entrepreneurs streamline production processes, reach wider audiences and monetise content more effectively in international markets.
Officials say the fund will also encourage innovation in storytelling and design, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into creative workflows worldwide.
The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub described the initiative as part of a broader effort to strengthen economic ties between both countries through skills development and technology transfer.
Industry observers note that Nigeria’s creative sector has become one of the country’s fastest-growing non-oil industries, contributing significantly to employment and export earnings.
Film production in particular, often referred to as Nollywood, is one of the largest in the world by output volume, while Nigerian music has gained global recognition through streaming platforms and international collaborations.
However, challenges remain, including limited infrastructure, inconsistent access to funding and gaps in digital literacy, especially among small and independent creators.
The new fund is expected to target these constraints by providing structured training programmes, mentorship opportunities and access to digital tools that can improve production quality and distribution efficiency.
Technology experts say the integration of AI into creative industries could significantly reduce production costs and open up new forms of content creation, from automated editing tools to AI-assisted design and sound engineering.
At the same time, stakeholders caution that ensuring equitable access to these technologies will be critical to preventing a widening digital divide within the sector.
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The initiative also aligns with broader efforts by international partners to support Africa’s digital transformation, particularly in sectors where youth employment and entrepreneurship are rapidly expanding.
With Nigeria’s large and youthful population, policymakers see the creative economy as a key driver of future growth, especially as traditional sectors face structural challenges.
As the programme rolls out, attention will focus on how effectively it can translate funding into practical skills and long-term opportunities for creators across film, music and fashion.
If successful, the initiative could help position Nigeria’s creative industries more firmly within the global digital economy, while strengthening technological collaboration between Lagos and London.
