₦150M+ CEDF Grant Now Open for Nigerian Creatives – Apply Before May 30, 2025
GoldenNewsNg reports that the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially opened the first round of the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF). With funding starting from $100,000 (over ₦150 million) per project, this initiative aims to empower professionals in film, music, fashion, publishing, art, gaming, and cultural tourism.
📅 Application Deadline: May 30, 2025
What Is the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF)?
The Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) is a federal initiative under the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE). It is backed by strategic financial partners, including a $200 million commitment from Afrexim Bank.
The goal is to provide accessible funding to Nigerian creatives who often struggle with traditional financing due to the intangible nature of their work.
Key Highlights:
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Creatives can now use intellectual property (IP) such as music rights, films, and digital content as collateral for loans.
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The fund aims to close the financing gap and scale up Nigeria’s global creative presence.
Objectives of the CEDF
The CEDF is designed to:
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Provide large-scale funding to creative entrepreneurs.
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Support business expansion and international market access.
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Foster job creation within the creative sector.
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Promote the use of intellectual property as financial collateral.
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Enable financial inclusion for creators previously excluded from formal banking services.
Who Is Eligible?
This first phase of the fund is targeted at creators or companies with large projects requiring a minimum of $100,000 (₦150 million) in funding.
Suitable Applicants Include:
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Film producers planning full-length movies.
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Record labels seeking capital for production and marketing.
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Fashion houses looking to export Nigerian designs.
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Creative publishing platforms or literary ventures.
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Developers of gaming, animation, or digital art products.
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Cultural tourism operators and institutions with scalable projects.
Applicants must clearly demonstrate the project’s viability, its potential for job creation, and a structured business or execution plan.
How to Apply
Applications are currently being accepted through the official CEDF online portal. To apply:
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Visit the official CEDF application portal
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Complete the application form with accurate details about your project.
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Upload required documentation, including:
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Business plan or project proposal.
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Proof of previous creative work.
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Financial forecasts or funding breakdown.
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Submit before May 30, 2025.
✅ Important: Applications must be submitted only once. Duplicate entries may lead to disqualification.
What Happens After You Apply?
Unlike other grant systems where you receive a code or follow-up link, the CEDF works differently:
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No code will be sent after submission.
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A partner bank will contact you directly to assist with creating a CEDF account.
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If you’re contacted by multiple banks, don’t worry—just proceed with one.
What’s Next After This Round?
The Federal Ministry has announced that a second round of applications will begin on August 4, 2025. This next phase will focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs and MSMEs) in the creative sector, with lower funding thresholds and broader accessibility.
This two-phase approach ensures both large creative ventures and smaller independent artists get access to the support they need.
Backed by National Policy
The launch of the CEDF was approved during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on October 23, 2024, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Minister Hannatu Musawa, who leads the FMACTCE, described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to:
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Diversify Nigeria’s economy beyond oil.
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Position Nigeria as a leading creative and cultural export hub.
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Build sustainable financing structures for creative talents.
This is a significant step toward recognizing the power of Nigeria’s creative industry. If you’re a creative professional working on a large-scale project, the CEDF grant offers a real opportunity to grow your brand and impact.
Don’t miss out – applications close May 30, 2025.
Apply Today and share this information with other creatives who may benefit from this rare opportunity. For updates, always check the official FMACTCE and CEDF communication channels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply if my project needs less than ₦150 million?
A: Not in this round. The second phase, launching August 4, 2025, will support smaller creative projects.
Q: Can intellectual property really be used as collateral?
A: Yes. The CEDF supports IP-based funding, making it easier for creators to secure loans without physical assets.
Q: What if I already have a creative project in progress?
A: You can still apply, provided you have a clear plan for scale, structure, and impact.
