Nigeria aims to lead Africa as a cultural superpower, with new tourism and creative economy projects under Minister Hannatu Musawa’s vision
Nigeria has declared its readiness to lead Africa as a cultural superpower, positioning itself at the forefront of a continent-wide movement to transform tourism and the creative economy into engines of global influence and sustainable development.
Speaking at the 68th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) held in Abuja, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, delivered a compelling call to action.
Themed “Boosting Social Impact and Education on Tourism through AI, Innovation and Creative Industries,” the meeting highlighted Africa’s vast potential to shape global narratives through its rich cultural assets.
Musawa emphasised that while the 20th century was driven by hydrocarbons, the 21st will be powered by human imagination. She said Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is shifting from resource dependency to people-powered prosperity by investing in tourism, arts, and the creative industries.
She called for visa integration, cross-border tourism corridors, and platforms that share African stories globally. “Let us invest in African talent with the same intensity that the world once invested in its oil and gas,” she said. “What we have now is more enduring: it is our culture, our people, and our power to inspire.”
Musawa also unveiled ongoing projects that symbolise Nigeria’s ambitions. These include the MEFA Arena in Abuja’s Arts & Culture Village and the Lagos Arena, being developed in partnership with Persianas, Oak View Group and Live Nation.
Along Nigeria’s coast, a major transformation is underway through a partnership with Koko Beach, set to convert pristine shorelines into a sustainable tourism corridor.
“These are not just buildings. They are beacons of a new vision,” Musawa said, outlining broader strategies such as the Creative Economy Development Fund and the Creative Leap Acceleration Programme, aimed at nurturing a new generation of creatives who will produce globally marketable content.
To coordinate these initiatives, a new Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation has been established. It will focus on converting public heritage assets into commercially viable and sustainable destinations through public-private partnerships.
On Brand Nigeria, Musawa introduced a slate of cultural festivals and programmes designed to generate economic impact. These include Destination 2030, Naija Season, Detty December in Lagos, Capital Vibes in Abuja, and Home Coming East, aimed at spotlighting South Eastern Nigeria.
“These brands convert holidays into jobs, flights, hotel nights and small‑business revenues, while amplifying Nigerian stories to the world,” she affirmed.
With this renewed drive, Nigeria is positioning itself as Africa’s cultural vanguard, determined to tell stories that resonate globally and redefine the continent’s place in world tourism and entertainment.
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