Nigeria and the Caribbean Island nation of Saint Lucia have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aiming to build strong partnerships in tourism, the Orange Economy, and investment within the creative industries.
This significant agreement was formalised on June 3, during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to Saint Lucia.
The news was confirmed by Nneka Anibeze, Special Adviser to Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.
The partnership is set to combine Nigeria’s globally acclaimed creative industries, including powerhouses like Nollywood, Afrobeats, fashion, and storytelling, with Saint Lucia’s highly regarded tourism and community-based tourism models.
The MOU will actively promote bilateral participation in cultural festivals, exchange programs, fashion collaborations, and museum development initiatives.
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According to the statement, “The MOU will focus on co-development of creative economy programs, youth-centred exchanges, and strengthening of value chains for fashion, textiles, and artisanal industries.
“Plans are underway for joint participation in major cultural festivals, including Saint Lucia’s renowned Jazz Festival.”
Minister Musawa described this occasion as “the dawn of a new era in Africa-Caribbean relations,” emphasising that the MOU provides a strategic framework to leverage complementary strengths.
She elaborated, “Nigeria has mastered the art of creative industry and culture, from Nollywood to music to storytelling. Saint Lucia, on the other hand, has perfected the tourism model.
“This collaboration allows us to exchange expertise and co-develop our capacities in both sectors. This partnership can generate immense value for both our countries, but more importantly, it can inspire the global Black community.”
Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Tourism, Culture, and the Creative Industries, highlighted the agreement as a formal reconnection of people “separated by history but united by heritage.”
He stressed, “This agreement is about formally re-establishing those ancestral links. From music and dance to fashion and sports, Nigeria has been a source of inspiration. We have enjoyed Nigerian talent at our Jazz Festival in recent years, and this MOU allows us to deepen that relationship.”
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering strategic alliances that celebrate shared heritage, promote people-to-people connections, and unlock new opportunities for cultural and economic growth across the Global South.
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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.
What is the primary purpose of the MOU signed between Nigeria and Saint Lucia?
The primary objective of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to foster robust partnerships in tourism, the Orange Economy (encompassing creative industries), and investment in innovative industries between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
When and where was the MOU signed?
The agreement was signed on June 3, 2025, during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to Saint Lucia.
Which Nigerian industries are expected to benefit from this partnership?
Nigeria’s globally celebrated creative industries, including Nollywood, Afrobeats, fashion, and storytelling, are expected to benefit significantly from this partnership.
How will Saint Lucia’s strengths contribute to this collaboration?
Saint Lucia will contribute its world-class tourism and community-based tourism models to the partnership, enabling an exchange of expertise and the co-development of capacities in both sectors.
What specific initiatives will the MOU promote?
The MOU will promote bilateral participation in cultural festivals, exchange programs, fashion collaborations, and museum development initiatives. It will also focus on the co-development of creative economy programs, youth-centred exchanges, and strengthening value chains for fashion, textiles, and artisanal industries.
What did Nigerian Minister Hannatu Musawa say about the agreement?
Minister Hannatu Musawa described the occasion as “the dawn of a new era in Africa-Caribbean relations,” emphasising that the MOU offers a strategic framework to leverage complementary strengths and inspire the global Black community.
How did Saint Lucia’s minister, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, characterise the agreement?
Dr Ernest Hilaire described the agreement as “a formal reconnection of peoples separated by history but united by heritage,” highlighting the re-establishment of ancestral links and the deepening of relationships through cultural exchange.
