The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has once again demonstrated its commitment to promoting Nigeria’s economic and cultural interests on the global stage through its 2025 Outward Trade Mission to the United Kingdom.
This year’s mission placed a remarkable spotlight on Nigeria’s burgeoning creative and entertainment industry, showcasing its potential as a powerful driver of innovation, international collaboration, and economic growth.
The flagship event of the chamber attracted a cross-section of influential stakeholders from both the Nigerian and UK business communities. From government officials and policy makers to creative entrepreneurs and investors, the event served as a high-level platform to explore the vast opportunities within Nigeria’s creative economy.
In his address, Mr. Ray Atelly, frpa, President and Chairman of Council at NBCC, emphasized the creative industry’s vital role as a cultural bridge and a catalyst for economic transformation.
“The Nigerian creative sector is a national asset.
“Its global reach, youthful energy, and boundless talent make it a key player in our economic diversification agenda and an ideal platform for fostering bilateral collaboration with the UK.”
A major highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy. Her presentation, titled “Building Global Bridges: Creative Collaboration Between the UK and Emerging Markets,” underscored the transformative power of creative industries in advancing cultural diplomacy and stimulating sustainable development. She emphasized the need to strengthen institutional support for artists and creative entrepreneurs while forging strategic partnerships to expand Nigeria’s cultural footprint globally.
The conference featured a series of deep-dive sessions dedicated to unlocking the growth potential of the creative economy. Mr. Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, delivered a forward-looking talk on “Unleashing Creativity: Building a Thriving Creative Economy for National Prosperity.” He spoke passionately about the need for Nigeria to invest in infrastructure, talent development, and policy reform to enable the creative industry to thrive both locally and on the global stage.
The day also featured a dynamic panel discussion on UK-Africa creative collaboration. Moderated by industry leaders, the panel included Mr. Babar Javed (Innovate UK – Global Alliance Africa), Mr. Michael Akinkunmi (3Days Agency), Mr. Andrew Skipper (Royal African Society), and UK-based creative consultant David Parrish.
The discussion explored themes such as innovation, digital transformation, market expansion, and the role of diaspora communities in driving cross-border creative ventures.
Adding an investment dimension to the dialogue, Ms. Rosie Glazebrook, CEO of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, presented a thought-provoking paper titled “Unlocking Africa’s Potential: Cross-Border Investment Opportunities in Emerging Markets.” She called for increased investor confidence in African creative startups and emphasized the need for enabling policies that de-risk investments in the sector.
Mental health and sustainability were not left out of the conversation. A powerful session on “Sustainable Wellbeing in the Creative Space” featured Dr. Victoria Tischler, Ms. Alexandra Coulter, Mr. Bez Idakula, and Ms. Teniola Zara King. Together, they discussed the importance of mental wellness, community support, and sustainable practices for long-term success in the creative professions.
Each session was moderated by Mr. Segun Akintemi and Dr. Ebere Njoku of the NBCC, and included interactive Q&A segments that encouraged real-time engagement, collaboration, and knowledge sharing between speakers and participants.
Mr. Oluwajoba Oloba, in his remarks lauded the participants and stakeholders for their passion and insights.
The day wrapped up with a vibrant exhibition that celebrated the richness of African creativity—featuring artwork, fashion, multimedia installations, and performances that left attendees inspired and energized.
Through this landmark event, the NBCC successfully spotlighted the power and potential of Nigeria’s creative and entertainment sector as a key export and investment frontier. The mission reaffirmed the Chamber’s dedication to building global partnerships that drive inclusive growth, cultural exchange, and economic prosperity for Nigeria.