The Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF or the “Fund”), is a policy thrust of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE).
The CEDF is designed to facilitate growth, innovation, and sustainable financing for Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries.
Large ticket investments
According to the Ministry, the first phase of the fund open for applications is targeting large-ticket investments of $100,000 and above, with submissions closing on May 30, 2025.
Small ticket Investment
A second phase, tailored for SMEs and MSMEs seeking smaller funding amounts, is scheduled to launch on August 4, 2025.
What you should know
- The fund is to expand financing options for creatives traditionally excluded from bank loans and investor networks.
- To generate employment opportunities, especially for youth, by supporting enterprise expansion in the sector.
-To introduce an innovative model that allows intellectual property (IP)—such as film rights, music, and digital content, to be used as collateral for loans.
- The fund covers Nigeria’s creative ecosystem spanning film, music, fashion, art, publishing, gaming, and cultural tourism.
-- According to the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, the Ministry also got commitment from Afrexim Bank to the tune of $200 million to kick start the Fund.
- According to the Minister, the fund is a special purpose vehicle that will allow members within the creative economy to have access to funding and use their IP as collateral in terms of monetization.
- Supporting Job Creation and Economic Diversification Empowering creative businesses to scale up will lead to the creation of new jobs and livelihoods, especially for youth, while diversifying Nigeria’s economy beyond oil and other traditional sectors.
- The fund can be applied as loan, equity contribution or grant.
Eligibility
*Open to creative entrepreneurs
*Small and Medium Enterprises in creative industry
*Startups and organizations across Nigeria creative value chain
* Youth led businesses and talent focused businesses
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