The European Union has officially launched a major €30 million cultural initiative designed to strengthen creative networks between Africa and Europe, with Nigeria positioned as a key beneficiary. The Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture (AEPC) Nigeria Cluster was unveiled during a ceremony in Lagos State, marking a significant investment in the continent's creative sector.
Major Investment in Cultural Exchange
Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the strategic importance of culture during the launch event. He stated that culture remains central to sustainable development, social cohesion and inclusive growth. "We see culture as a driver of mutual understanding, creative innovation and economic opportunity," Ambassador Mignot declared.
The ambassador highlighted that the initiative aligns with the EU's Global Gateway strategy, which aims to connect people and create opportunities for sustainable shared prosperity. "The EU remains committed to deepening partnerships that amplify African voices and foster cultural diversity," he added.
Comprehensive Support for Nigerian Creatives
The AEPC Nigeria Cluster will be implemented by Goethe-Institut Nigeria, Germany's cultural institute operating in the country. Dr. Nadine Siegert, Director of Goethe-Institut Nigeria, described the launch as a landmark milestone in promoting cultural exchange and creative innovation between the two continents.
"Nigeria's creative sector is a force to be reckoned with, diverse, innovative and increasingly recognised on the global stage," Dr. Siegert noted. "Through initiatives like the AEPC, we are not only showcasing Nigeria's talent internationally but also creating pathways for collaboration, learning and sustainable development within the cultural industry."
The project's implementation strategy focuses on three key pillars:
- Collaboration between African and European cultural organizations
- Capacity building for artists and creative professionals
- Enhanced visibility and access to international platforms
Broader EU Cultural Commitment in Africa
Ambassador Mignot revealed that the AEPC represents just one component of the EU's broader cultural engagement across Africa. He mentioned two other significant EU-funded programs:
- Strengthening African-European Museum partnerships - a €20 million program supporting collaborative projects between African and European museums
- Creative Africa - an upcoming €15 million project that will support collaboration between African and European audiovisual ecosystems
The ambassador also highlighted ongoing EU support for cultural policy development in Nigeria and smaller-scale initiatives such as the Festival of Illustrators and the Eastern Nigeria Film Festival in Enugu.
Expected Impact and Regional Coverage
The AEPC project extends beyond Nigeria to encompass multiple West African nations, including:
- Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire
- The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria
- Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo
The initiative aims to achieve substantial impact through concrete targets: training 250 creative professionals, supporting 450 artists directly, and networking 48 festivals across the region. This comprehensive approach is expected to deepen West Africa-EU cultural relations while generating lasting social and economic benefits.
Ambassador Mignot concluded with a call to action for Nigerian creatives: "Together, we can ensure that no creative is left behind, and that talent from West, East, South and North Nigeria can thrive on international stages. We just have to spread the voice and encourage as many organizations and creators to check if they are eligible, build or finalise strong projects and apply."
