Are you a Nigerian creative dreaming big but struggling to secure funding? Here’s your chance to break through.
The Federal Government has rolled out the first phase of its Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF), aimed at injecting fresh capital into Nigeria’s booming arts, culture, and creative sectors.
Announced by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, the fund promises to boost innovation, open jobs, and help Nigeria stand tall on the global creative stage.
Applications for this phase close May 30, 2025, while a second phase, set to target smaller businesses (SMEs and MSMEs), kicks off on August 4, 2025.
Who can apply?
From film directors to fashion designers, digital platforms to gaming studios, cultural tourism operators to publishers, the fund is open to creative players across the board. Even legal, logistics, and training providers within the creative chain can throw their hats in the ring.
Step-by-step: how to apply
– Visit the official CEDF website and click on “Apply for CEDF Now!”
– Fill in the application form with details like your company name, business registration, contacts, sector, current business stage, funding type, and expected funding (minimum $100,000 for Phase 1).
– Upload required documents:
• A solid business case with a 5-year financial plan
• IRR projections (if you have them)
• A financial model (optional but strong)
• A PDF pitch deck of your business case
– Indicate if you need project preparation support.
– Register on the Creative Leap Accelerator Program (CLAP), this step is non-negotiable.
– Enter your CLAP registration details, Tax Identification Number (TIN), or mobile number, and hit submit.
Why this fund matters
According to the Ministry, the CEDF is not just handing out money, it’s building Nigeria’s creative future. It aims to:
Spark innovation across industries
Help creatives access new markets
Boost employment, especially among young Nigerians
Unlock the power of intellectual property (IP), allowing IP to be used as loan collateral for more funding
The government wants to transform Nigeria into a creative powerhouse, and the CEDF is one big step in that direction.
If you’re a Nigerian creative chasing your next big break, the time to act is now, don’t let this door of opportunity close.
