President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s government has announced its intention to create a national network of design and innovation hubs through a five-year collaboration with Ananse Internet Group.
Naijaonpoint reports that the initiative was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy.
This partnership, formalised by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, officially initiates the Ananse Centre for Design, with the inaugural hub set to be launched in Lagos later this year.
As revealed in the statement by the ministry today, this initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s economic agenda and aims to promote economic diversification, generate employment, and empower youth through the fashion, leather, and digital storytelling value chains.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, who addressed attendees at the signing ceremony, characterised the partnership as a significant advancement in connecting creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship for the purpose of national development.
She said, “This partnership with Ananse is a strategic move that embodies the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda. It is about investing in our creative talent and giving them the tools to thrive, compete globally, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
According to the agreement, the ministry is anticipated to offer policy guidance, funding, and infrastructure in designated areas, while Ananse will utilise its technical expertise, digital platforms, and training modules to operate the centres.
The inaugural creative hub is slated to launch in Lagos during the latter half of 2025 and will act as a model for similar centres to be established throughout the six geopolitical zones.
These centres will focus on young creatives and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those led by women and youth.
As stated by the minister, the programme aims to train and assist over 5,000 individuals in various fields, including fashion design, leatherwork, business development, and digital commerce.
Furthermore, the Ministry and Ananse have revealed intentions to collaborate on conducting research and collecting data to inform policy decisions that will promote the growth and regulation of Nigeria’s creative industries.