Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF)

The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) is pleased to announce the rollout of the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF), a landmark initiative approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

About Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF)

Opportunity Details

Date Published: June 17, 2025
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
Category: Entrepreneurs Grants
Oppotunity Locations: Nigeria
Eligible Locations: Nigeria

The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) is pleased to announce the rollout of the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF), a landmark initiative approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The CEDF is designed to catalyze growth, innovation, and sustainable financing for Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries, in line with the government’s commitment to creating jobs, stimulating economic diversification, and boosting Nigeria’s global cultural footprint.

This Fund represents a significant national investment in the creative sector, recognizing its potential as a driver of economic growth and cultural diplomacy.

Key Objectives of the CEDF

Sponsor Organisation: Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE)

Benefits of Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF)

Debt Financing Window

Offering affordable loans and credit facilities to viable creative businesses. This window will provide debt funding to creative startups and enterprises that can demonstrate capacity for repayment, helping them expand operations or complete projects.

Equity/Quasi-Equity Window

Providing equity investments or quasi-equity support (such as convertible instruments) in promising creative business. Through this window, the CEDF can take an investment stake in high-growth potential projects – from film productions to fashion labels – enabling scaling while sharing in future successes. This equity approach injects long-term capital and business support, rather than just debt, into the industry.

Grant Funding Window

A dedicated grant facility to back innovative ideas and cultural projects that may not yet be bankable but have high impact potential. This grant fund will be professionally managed to generate a sustainable stream of income, which in turn will finance grants for early-stage or socially beneficial creative projects (for example, community arts programs, experimental films, or heritage preservation initiatives).

Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) Requirements

Individual Creators, Entrepreneurs, and Businesses operating in Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries.
Businesses operating within the tourism industry that are linked to the cultural and creative aspects of the value chain, including infrastructure.
Must demonstrate a viable project plan, legal rights to use any relevant IP, and alignment with the Fund’s mission to strengthen the creative sector.

Application Date and Process

The CEDF Application is in two phases.
PHASE 1 Application stage Opened on 28th April and closes on 30 June, 2025.
PHASE 2 Application will open on 4th August and will be targeted at SMEs and MSMEs with smaller ticket size investments.

Required Documents

Primary documents: Project/business overview, financial plan (budget/revenue projections), legal/ownership details, and proof of IP ownership (if applicable).
Debt Window: Evidence of repayment capacity or collateral (which can include IP).
Equity Window: Pitch deck, growth strategy, corporate registration documents.
Grant Window: Detailed proposal outlining cultural/social impact, sustainability, project timeline, and budget breakdown.

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