Nigeria’s Minister Hannatu Musawa and Tunisian Ambassador Mohsen Antit met to enhance cultural exchange, tourism development, and Nigeria’s participation in the FITA 2025 Summit in Tunis

In a significant move towards bolstering bilateral relations through cultural diplomacy and creative collaboration, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq., on Wednesday hosted the Ambassador of Tunisia to Nigeria, H.E. Mohsen Antit, for a productive courtesy visit in Abuja.

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The high-level meeting, held at the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, centered on strengthening cooperation in areas of cultural exchange, tourism development, and Nigeria’s strategic engagement in the upcoming FITA 2025 Summit (Financing Investment and Trade in Africa). The summit is scheduled to take place in Tunis from May 6th to 7th, 2025.

Describing the visit as “timely and symbolic,” Minister Musawa underscored the vital role of culture and creativity in fostering African unity, driving innovation, and promoting economic prosperity across the continent.

“This meeting is a testament to the power of arts and culture in driving continental cohesion,” she stated. “Nigeria and Tunisia share a common belief in the power of heritage and creative enterprise to strengthen diplomatic relations and foster inclusive growth across Africa.”

Ambassador Antit commended Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in promoting cultural inclusion and innovation. He expressed Tunisia’s keen interest in deepening collaboration with Nigeria, particularly as the continent prepares for the FITA 2025 Summit.

The summit is recognized as a key platform that connects African governments, investors, and industry leaders to discuss critical issues of trade, innovation, and sustainable development.

“This meeting is a testament to the power of arts and culture in driving continental cohesion,” said Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq.

“We see Nigeria not only as a cultural powerhouse but as a vital partner in shaping Africa’s creative future,” Ambassador Antit remarked. “Our shared values in heritage, tourism, and artistic innovation form a strong foundation for mutual advancement.”

During the meeting, both parties explored potential joint initiatives aimed at increasing artistic collaboration, organizing cross-cultural festivals, fostering partnerships within the creative industries, and building capacity for young talents across the African continent.

This engagement also aligns with the Ministry’s broader vision under the Motherland 2025 Project—an ambitious initiative focused on repositioning Nigeria as a premier global destination for cultural reconnection, diaspora engagement, and strategic investment in the burgeoning creative economy.

Minister Musawa reiterated Nigeria’s firm commitment to strengthening pan-African ties through soft power diplomacy. She highlighted that the upcoming FITA 2025 Summit presents an invaluable platform to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural assets and actively promote intra-African solidarity.

“We are intentional about placing culture at the heart of diplomacy and development. Our participation in FITA 2025 will reflect the strength and resilience of Nigeria’s creative sector and its role in shaping Africa’s narrative on a global scale,” Minister Musawa added.

Both Nigeria and Tunisia have pledged to work closely on future initiatives that reinforce artistic freedom, promote cultural sustainability, and advance the creative economy as a fundamental engine for African transformation.