Woodhall Finance Launches N1.5bn Creative Sector Fund
Woodhall Finance House Launches N1.5bn Creative Sector Fund to Empower Nigerian Creatives
Woodhall Finance House has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative with the launch of a N1.5bn Creative Sector Fund. This fund is designed to support export-ready creative enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses across multiple sectors, including fashion, film, music, beauty, and digital arts. The announcement was made during the unveiling of The Creative Currency Podcast, an event held at the Lagos residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter.
The fund represents a significant step forward in recognizing the economic potential of Nigeria’s creative industries. Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, Founder and President of Woodhall Capital, emphasized the importance of treating creativity as a valuable asset. “Creativity is no longer an abstract asset; it is a bankable commodity and must be treated as such by policymakers, investors, and financiers,” she stated. Hunponu-Wusu added that Nigerians are uniquely positioned to tell their own stories and that real change can only come from within. “If we want to see real change, we must build our own table, design our own systems, and finance our own narratives.”
The N1.5bn Creative Sector Fund aims to back bold ideas, scale creative businesses, and transform cultural capital into economic power. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the role that the creative sector plays in driving innovation and economic growth in Nigeria.
UK's Commitment to Nigeria's Creative Economy
At the event, Mr. Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner, highlighted the UK’s long-term commitment to supporting Nigeria’s creative economy through collaboration, innovation, and investment. He spoke about the importance of partnerships that foster cultural exchange and economic development. “Through the Creative Industries Technical Working Group – a direct outcome of the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership – and platforms such as The Creative Currency Podcast, we are deepening our commitment to creative collaboration,” he said.
Baxter emphasized that the goal is to create real opportunities, build lasting partnerships, and empower the next generation of African talent to succeed on the global stage. This aligns with broader efforts to strengthen ties between the UK and Nigeria, particularly in areas that promote cultural and economic exchange.
Lagos as Africa’s Creative Capital
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, delivered a keynote address that reinforced Lagos’s position as Africa’s creative capital. Her speech underscored the city’s growing influence in the creative industry and its potential to become a hub for innovation and investment.
The Creative Currency Podcast was launched by Woodhall Finance House in partnership with the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade, Polaris Bank, and the Lagos State Government. The platform is positioned at the intersection of finance, culture, and diplomacy, aiming to drive investment, strengthen cross-border partnerships, and reinforce the UK-Nigeria creative network as a catalyst for economic transformation.
A Platform for Collaboration and Growth
The launch of the podcast brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including senior policymakers, investors, development finance institutions, high-net-worth individuals, and leading creatives from across Africa. This gathering highlights the growing interest in leveraging the creative sector for economic development and international collaboration.
By creating a space for dialogue and investment, the podcast seeks to bridge gaps between creative entrepreneurs and financial institutions. It also serves as a platform for sharing insights, building networks, and identifying opportunities for growth in the creative industries.
As the N1.5bn Creative Sector Fund begins to take shape, it signals a shift in how Nigeria’s creative economy is perceived and supported. With strong partnerships and a clear vision, the initiative has the potential to unlock new possibilities for Nigerian creatives and contribute to the country’s broader economic development.
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