The Africa Creative Market, founded by Dr. Inya Lawal, continues to thrive as a platform for fostering growth in Africa’s creative economy. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos reaffirmed its support for the third consecutive year.
This initiative brings together stakeholders from both African and international creative industries, aiming to accelerate Africa’s influence globally.
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U.S. industry experts lead the dialogue on digital innovation and entrepreneurship
Two prominent U.S. creative industry leaders — Steffan Horowitz, Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Africa Creative TV (ACTV) exchange program, and Dedren Snead, CEO of SUBSUME Studios — were central to this year’s event.
With support from the U.S. Consulate, Horowitz and Snead facilitated discussions on how African creatives can engage with global audiences. Their insights provided emerging filmmakers, producers, and content creators with invaluable perspectives on the creative economy.
Snead also led a workshop on digital innovation, emphasising the power of animation and gaming to amplify African narratives globally.
Empowering women entrepreneurs through AWE 2.0 initiative
The Africa Creative Market also hosted the AWE 2.0 Initiative, which gathered 150 alumnae of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs for a three-day digital skills program. Snead’s workshop, which focused on entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital economy, was an essential aspect of this initiative. His interaction with participants emphasised the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting women-led businesses in Africa and equipping them with the skills to succeed in the ever-evolving creative landscape.
U.S. Consul General Will Stevens praised the growing collaboration between the U.S. and Nigeria’s creative industries, noting that the partnership is vital for unlocking economic opportunities and fostering prosperity. He emphasised that the U.S. Mission continues to engage with Nigeria’s creative industry leaders to build sustainable ecosystems, access new markets, and explore opportunities for two-way trade and investment in the creative sector.
Stevens added, “The participation of U.S. industry leaders in the Africa Creative Market reflects the deepening ties between our countries, especially in sectors like film, music, fashion, gaming, and arts.”
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Supporting Cross-Cultural Collaboration and Growth
Public Affairs Officer Julie McKay of the U.S. Consulate also highlighted the importance of the event, stressing that it provides a unique opportunity for emerging Nigerian creatives to connect with U.S. counterparts. “Every year, the U.S. Mission sponsors exchange programs for leaders in Nigeria’s creative industry, reinforcing our commitment to promoting artistic expression and cultural collaboration.”
McKay reiterated that initiatives like the Africa Creative Market are crucial in bridging the gap between Nigerian creatives and global markets while fostering collaborations and business models that drive sustainable development.
The U.S. government’s commitment to Nigeria’s creative industry extends beyond the Africa Creative Market. Recently, the U.S. Department of State introduced three new exchange programs designed for Nigerian creatives, including the Africa Creative TV initiative for film and TV writers, the American Music Mentorship Program in collaboration with the Grammys, and the Community College Initiative, which immerses participants in the script-to-screen process.
By supporting these programs, the U.S. remains dedicated to fostering talent and providing Nigerian creatives with the skills and networks needed to thrive in the global creative economy.