Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) 2025: Apply Now for Funding & Business Growth in Nigeria

Home Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) 2025: Apply Now for Funding & Business Growth in Nigeria

Author: Blessing Joseph

Published: April 30, 2025

Are you a Nigerian entrepreneur or creative professional in the film, music, fashion, art, publishing, or cultural tourism sector? Here’s a golden opportunity to access funding, scale your business, and create jobs.

The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) has officially launched the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) — a groundbreaking initiative approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to support Nigeria’s vibrant creative and cultural industries.

This fund is part of the government’s broader strategy to diversify the economy, empower youth, and promote Nigerian culture globally.

What Is the CEDF?

The Creative Economy Development Fund is a major public-private sector initiative that offers financial support, investment opportunities, and growth tools to Nigerian businesses and individuals in the creative industry.

It’s designed to unlock new financing models by allowing creatives to leverage intellectual property (IP) as a bankable asset, opening access to funding that was previously out of reach.

Key Objectives of the CEDF:

1. Stimulate Growth in Creative Industries

The CEDF will provide essential capital for businesses in:

Film and TV production
Music and audio creation
Fashion and design
Publishing and digital media
Gaming and animation
Cultural tourism and heritage preservation

2. Expand Access to Finance

By removing the barriers that have historically blocked creatives from traditional bank loans, the CEDF will:

Offer new finance avenues tailored to creative businesses
Support startups, freelancers, and SMEs in the creative economy
Encourage investor confidence in creative IPs

3. Promote Job Creation & Economic Diversification

CEDF will boost job creation by helping creative businesses grow, directly supporting the employment of:

Artists
Designers
Writers
Developers
Technicians
Performers

This will also contribute to diversifying Nigeria’s economy beyond oil and agriculture.

4. Monetize Intellectual Property (IP)

For the first time in Nigeria, creatives can collateralize their IP assets to access funding. This includes:

Copyrighted film rights
Music and lyrics
Books, manuscripts, and digital publications
Digital art, games, and content
This groundbreaking framework redefines IP as a financial asset class.

Who Should Apply?

Creative Entrepreneurs
Startups and SMEs in the cultural and creative sectors
Content Creators, Filmmakers, Fashion Designers, Musicians, Authors, and Artists
Cultural tourism innovators
Youth-led and women-led creative ventures

Deadline for Application: May 30, 2025