The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Lagos State Government have called for greater investment, improved access to finance and stronger market opportunities to unlock the economic potential of Africa's creative industries.

The call was made during the Stitch, Sell, Scale: Fashion, Leather and Creative Enterprise Spotlight event in Lagos, which brought together government officials, financial institutions, development partners and business leaders to discuss the future of the continent's creative economy.

Investment Needed to Unlock Growth

The Lagos State Government said Africa's creative sector is rich in talent but continues to face barriers that limit business growth and global competitiveness.

According to the government, many creative entrepreneurs struggle to access finance, markets and business networks needed to scale their operations.

To address these challenges, Lagos is working with financial institutions, development partners and private sector organisations to strengthen enterprise support, improve product quality and packaging, and empower women- and youth-led businesses.

Creative Industries as Economic Drivers

The UNDP described Africa's fashion, leather and creative industries as high-growth sectors capable of creating jobs, strengthening manufacturing and building globally competitive African brands.

However, the organisation noted that talent alone is not enough to drive economic transformation. It stressed the need for stronger investment, business support and policies that enable creative entrepreneurs to turn innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.

The agency also highlighted the wider economic impact of the creative economy, which supports industries ranging from manufacturing and logistics to retail, branding and digital commerce while preserving Africa's cultural heritage.

AfCFTA Presents New Opportunities

The UNDP identified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a major opportunity for creative businesses to expand into new markets, strengthen regional value chains and increase exports across the continent.

The organisation said improved access to finance, technology, market intelligence and investment would be essential to help businesses take advantage of these opportunities.

Supporting Africa's Creative Entrepreneurs

The UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship through initiatives such as Timbuktoo, university innovation hubs and digital innovation centres that connect startups and creative enterprises with funding, skills and new markets.

It noted that stronger collaboration between governments, financial institutions, universities, development partners and the private sector will be critical to building a more competitive and globally recognised African creative economy.