Nigeria and China have strengthened their bilateral relationship through a strategic partnership to boost tourism and the creative sectors through cultural exchanges and infrastructure development. Through collaboration, Nigeria will leverage China’s expertise in cultural branding and infrastructure development to enhance its cultural heritage and economic opportunities, as highlighted by Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
Nigerian artists will be able to tap into the Chinese market, where there is a growing demand for Nigerian music. The partnership will also focus on tech development, including animation, incubation programs for young creatives, and streamlined visa processes for stakeholders in tourism and the creative sectors.
The partnership will also see Nigeria learn from China’s global success in cultural branding. China has prominently showcased its culture worldwide through exports such as food, martial arts, and cinema. Musawa also emphasised the importance of monetising Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through co-production agreements and capacity-building initiatives that will align the creative industries of both nations.
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China plays a pivotal role in developing Nigeria’s creative infrastructure, particularly through projects like the Abuja Creative City. This initiative aims to create a one-stop hub for African culture and creativity, housing film studios, museums, galleries, arenas, and themed areas such as “China Town” and “Korea Town.” The project is expected to attract significant investment and serve as a cultural landmark for Nigeria.
The partnership also intends to use Nigeria’s rich natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and historical assets to lure Chinese tourists to visit Nigeria, fostering cultural exchange and driving economic growth. Seminars and activities planned for 2025 under the Forum on China—Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will further promote tourism and education between the two nations.
The Nigeria-China tourism pact also emphasises the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Through its Cultural Centre in Nigeria, China has stressed the importance of people-to-people exchanges and pledged support for cultural tourism projects.
This partnership aligns with Nigeria’s goal of revitalising its creative industries while showcasing its global cultural identity. By tapping into China’s expertise in branding and infrastructure, Nigeria aims to unlock new economic opportunities in tourism and culture while fostering stronger diplomatic ties with China.
