EU–Goethe Culture Pact Targets Global Spotlight for Nigerian Creatives.Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture Nigeria Cluster debuts in Lagos.
By Raymond Enoch
A bold new chapter in cultural diplomacy and the creative economy has opened in Lagos as the European Union, in partnership with Goethe-Institut Nigeria, launched the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture (AEPC) Nigeria Cluster — a flagship initiative designed to project Nigerian stories across continents and deepen artistic collaboration between Africa and Europe.
Unveiled in Lagos, the programme is targeted at artists, cultural managers and creative entrepreneurs whose work animates communities “with colour and rhythm,” creating fresh pathways for Nigerian narratives to travel, connect and compete on the global stage. According to the EU Delegation, the initiative will help Nigerian voices “travel further, learn more and shine brighter,” positioning culture as a strategic bridge between both regions.
Implemented by Goethe-Institut Nigeria, the AEPC Nigeria Cluster seeks to strengthen cross-border networks, sharpen professional skills and dramatically boost the visibility of Nigerian creatives, ensuring that their talent “can grow without limits.” Through exchanges, co-productions, residencies and knowledge-sharing platforms, the scheme will link Nigerian practitioners with counterparts in Europe and other African countries, nurturing a pipeline of world-class collaborations.
The official launch brought together an influential cast of diplomats, cultural leaders and creative industry players. In attendance were Lucky Edet; the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot; Toluwanimi Owolana; Adeagbo Ayomide; Chioma Osuji, ACE FIMC; and Dr. Nadine Siegert, alongside a constellation of Nigerian creatives including Adekunle Adeboye, Adeniran Makinde, Aderemi Adegbite, Aderonke Oshinjobi, Adewale Orosun, Aduke Gomez, Amanda Madumere, Foluke Michael, Amy Oraefo, Anjola Awosika, Ariyo Adebainyo, Austine Onuoha, Bolaji Akinwande, Brenda Fashugba, Buki Akomolafe, Chilufya Besa, Chinyere Obieze, Damilola Solesi, Dolapo Amusat, Dunsin Bankole, Edgar Eriakha, Esther Ijewere, Fasanmi Afolabi, Stag Fawole, Peters Femi Odugbemi, Folu Oyefeso, Jadesola Olaniyan, Jahman Anikulapo, Josh Egesi, Kehinde Oretimehin, Mayowa Johnson and Agbeniga.
For many participants, the AEPC launch is more than a ceremonial gesture; it signals a strategic, long-term investment by the EU in Nigeria’s creative ecosystem at a time when film, music, fashion, literature and digital arts are emerging as major drivers of jobs, innovation and soft power. By offering access to professional networks, training, funding opportunities and international platforms, the initiative is expected to unlock new markets for Nigerian content and reposition the country as a major cultural hub linking Africa and Europe.
Stakeholders at the event noted that as traditional sectors struggle with economic headwinds, culture and the creative industries are becoming critical pillars of sustainable development and inclusive growth. With the AEPC Nigeria Cluster now formally launched, attention will turn to the roll-out of concrete projects and collaborations that will test — and potentially transform — how Nigerian stories are told, traded and treasured around the world.
