In a major push to accelerate Nigeria’s creative economy, Woodhall Finance House has launched The Creative Currency Podcast alongside a ₦1.5 billion Creative Sector Fund. The initiative, unveiled in collaboration with the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade, Polaris Bank, and the Lagos State Government, aims to serve as a media platform and economic driver for creative enterprises across Africa.
The launch, hosted by British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter at his Lagos residence, brought together senior policymakers, investors, development finance institutions, and top creatives. The event underscored the fusion of finance, culture, and diplomacy as key to unlocking sustainable growth in Africa’s creative industries.
Baxter reaffirmed the UK’s support for Nigeria’s creative sector through platforms like the podcast and the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP). “This is about creating real opportunities, building lasting partnerships, and empowering the next generation of African talent,” he said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Bada Ambrose, highlighted Lagos as the continent’s creative capital.
A panel discussion featuring Polaris Bank’s Abimbola Ozomah, Helios Investment’s Sola Carrena, and Woodhall Capital’s President, Mrs. Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, explored innovative financing solutions such as blended finance, creative bonds, and factoring models to fuel sectoral growth.
Announcing the ₦1.5 billion Creative Sector Fund, Hunponu-Wusu said, “Creativity is a bankable commodity. If we want real change, we must build our own systems and finance our own narratives.”
A fireside chat on UK-Nigeria cultural synergies featured fashion designer Veekee James, actress Shaffy Bello, and UK DBT Country Director Mark Smithson, who emphasized the value of cross-cultural innovation.
The evening ended with a symbolic Jollof and Tea cultural exchange – blending Nigerian and British identities through food, stories, and high-level networking.
The Creative Currency Podcast is now positioned as a diplomatic tool, transaction hub, and platform for reshaping Africa’s global creative narrative.
