The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced an extension of the application deadline for the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) to June 30, 2025, offering more time for young creatives to access financial support aimed at boosting the creative sector.
The extension, which was initially scheduled to end on May 30, was confirmed by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives. The decision is part of a broader strategy to support Nigeria’s growing creative industry and generate over $100 billion in GDP and 2 million jobs by 2030 under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The CEDF is designed to provide grants, soft loans, and equity funding to creative entrepreneurs operating in sectors such as music, film, fashion, gaming, digital content, and tourism. A key highlight of the fund is its IP-backed financing, which allows applicants to use intellectual property, such as a music track, fashion line, or digital content, as collateral in place of physical assets.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must be:
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Nigerian youths operating legally registered businesses
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Active in the creative economy (e.g., filmmakers, designers, musicians, game developers, content creators, and cultural tourism operators)
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Able to provide evidence of business activity and creative output
Types of Funding Available
The fund provides three categories of financial assistance:
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Grant: For early-stage creative ideas with community or social impact
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Loan: For business expansion or operational upgrades
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Equity: For startups seeking investment partnerships
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to:
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Describe their creative product or intellectual property
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Present a viable business model and income strategy
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Estimate the value of their IP using measurable data (e.g., sales, streams, views)
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Choose the appropriate funding option
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Submit relevant documents such as business registration, tax identification, and proof of past work
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Provide a growth plan and personal background narrative
Application Platforms
Interested applicants are advised to apply via the following official portals:
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Main Portal: www.cedfnigeria.com
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Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy: https://fmacce.gov.ng
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Youth Investment Dashboard: https://yid.fmyd.gov.ng
All platforms offer guidance and resources to help applicants complete their submissions successfully.
National Impact
The CEDF is part of the federal government’s plan to reposition the creative industry as a major driver of economic growth. The program aims to provide young Nigerians with direct access to non-traditional capital and promote inclusion in global creative markets.
Officials encourage applicants to apply early and take advantage of the opportunity to scale their creative businesses without relying on conventional collateral.
