UK–Nigeria Creative Fund 2026 Opens Applications for Project-Based Grants
Applications are now open for the UK–Nigeria Creative Fund 2026, an initiative by the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub in partnership with Tech4Dev. The fund is designed to support Nigeria’s creative sector through flexible, project-based funding in film, fashion, and music. Supported under the Digital Access Programme, the initiative targets high-potential projects that strengthen local production capacity and reduce dependence on foreign technical services.
According to the official announcement, the Creative Fund aims to close the funding and technical expertise gap for Nigerian creators by supporting local talent, improving access to digital tools, and enabling high-quality production within the country.
Focus Areas and Funding Support
The program supports projects across three key industries:
- Film: Including post-production, editing, animation, and sound design
- Fashion: Including digital design, production engineering, and sustainable sourcing
- Music: Including sound engineering, mastering, production, and distribution
Selected projects will receive tailored funding that may cover technical talent, production equipment, software licences, and creative events such as workshops or exhibitions. Applicants are required to provide in-kind contributions such as workspace, logistics, or mentorship support, ensuring shared commitment and sustainability.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be based in Nigeria and operate within the film, fashion, or music sectors
- Be registered creative businesses or organizations with a clearly defined technical production gap and a structured project plan
- Include 2 to 5 mid-career professionals with at least two years of experience per project
- Incorporate a mentorship or training component
The fund emphasizes collaboration and long-term impact by requiring applicants to contribute resources beyond financial support, reinforcing local ownership and capacity building.
About the Initiative
The UK–Nigeria Creative Fund 2026 is part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy, which employs millions and contributes significantly to national GDP. Despite its growth, the sector continues to face challenges in accessing finance and technical expertise. This initiative seeks to address those barriers by delivering targeted support where it is needed most.
For more information and to apply, interested parties should refer to the official call for applications published by MSME Africa Online.