Applications are now open for the Creative Fund, a new initiative designed to support high-potential projects in Nigeria’s film, fashion, and music industries. The programme is funded by the UK government’s Digital Access Programme, administered by the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, and implemented by Tech4Dev.
Launched on April 22, 2026, the fund offers flexible, project-based grants aimed at closing critical technical gaps in Nigeria’s creative sector and retaining high-value production work within the country.
The initiative builds on findings from a 2024 ecosystem study supported by the Tech Hub, which revealed that Nigeria’s creative economy employs over 4.2 million people and contributes approximately $3 billion annually to GDP. However, the report also highlighted structural challenges, including limited access to financing and the outsourcing of technical production work abroad.
The Creative Fund seeks to address these gaps by subsidising access to specialised talent, digital tools, and production resources, enabling creators to complete high-quality work locally.
Focus Sectors: Film, Fashion, Music
The programme targets three key industries where Nigeria already has global influence:
- Film: Supporting post-production, editing, sound design, animation, and colour grading within Nollywood
- Fashion: Enabling digital design, production engineering, and sustainable textile innovation
- Music: Enhancing sound engineering, mixing, mastering, and digital distribution infrastructure
Flexible Funding Model
The fund operates a three-tier structure:
- Tier 1 – Core Project Grants: For early-stage or smaller productions with specific technical needs
- Tier 2 – Growth Project Grants: For established projects with proven capacity and scale
- Tier 3 – Collaborative Grants: For partnerships across multiple creative organisations
Grant sizes are flexible and tailored to each project’s scope and ambition.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be based in Nigeria and operate within film, fashion, or music
- Be a registered creative business or organisation
- Demonstrate a clear technical production gap
- Attach 2 to 5 mid-career creatives (with at least two years’ experience)
- Commit to at least one give-back activity, such as workshops or pro bono services
- Be ready to begin within the programme timeline (April 2026 – January 2027)
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply through this link
Unique “Give-Back” Requirement
A standout feature of the Creative Fund is its mandatory knowledge-sharing model. Mid-career creatives embedded in funded projects are required to deliver at least one community-focused activity, including:
- Hosting masterclasses
- Providing pro bono technical services
- Leading community workshops
- Publishing industry learning content
Interested applicants can apply through this link
Application Process and Deadline
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with a final deadline of July 30, 2026. Interested applicants must download and complete a technical proposal form before submitting it for review.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview, followed by onboarding for successful grantees.
Programme Targets
The Creative Fund aims to support:
- Over 100 mid-career creative placements
- At least 5 AI-integrated projects
- A 9-month implementation period per project
Interested applicants can apply through this link
