Creative Industry
Musawa Pays Condolence Visit to Qatar Embassy, Advocates Stronger Bilateral Cooperation
Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has paid a condolence visit to the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, expressing Nigeria’s sympathy over the passing of the Father Amir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, while seeking deeper diplomatic and cultural collaboration between both countries.
During the visit to the Qatari Embassy in Abuja, Musawa conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria to the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the Qatari people.She described the late Father Amir as a visionary leader whose reign from 1995 to 2013 transformed Qatar into a globally respected nation.
“We are deeply saddened by this great loss. On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I extend our heartfelt condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the government and the people of Qatar,” the minister said.
Musawa noted that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani would be remembered for laying the foundation for modern Qatar and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Beyond the condolence visit, the minister held discussions with the Qatari envoy on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of culture, tourism and the creative economy.She said Nigeria was committed to expanding cultural tourism, promoting people-to-people exchanges and enhancing collaboration through festivals, exhibitions and other creative initiatives.
The minister also advocated improved air connectivity between Abuja and Doha and called for easier visa processes to facilitate the movement of cultural delegations, tourism operators and business travellers.
“The creative economy and tourism sector thrive on cultural exchange. We welcome partnerships that make it easier for Nigerians to engage with Qatar through festivals, exhibitions and tourism initiatives,” Musawa said.
Responding, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hail, appreciated the Federal Government for the condolence visit and reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to strengthening cultural relations with Nigeria.
He praised Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant creative industry, describing the country’s youthful talents as globally recognised.
According to the ambassador, Qatar is eager to collaborate with the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy to showcase Nigerian music, film, fashion and cultural heritage through exchange programmes in Doha.
He also assured that the embassy would engage relevant Qatari authorities on proposals aimed at enhancing cultural cooperation and easing travel procedures.
The visit, according to the ministry, reflects Nigeria’s commitment to deepening diplomatic, cultural and economic relations with Qatar in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Creative Industry
CAFA Targets $500bn Fashion Economy At Canex Wknd 2026
Joel Ajayi
The Confederation of African Fashion (CAFA) will present its roadmap to grow Africa’s fashion economy from an estimated $30 billion to $500 billion at CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos.
Marking its first anniversary on November 5, CAFA will unveil a joint stand with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly the National Arts Theatre, on November 5, 2026.
CAFA President, Aare (Prof.) Lai Labode, said the institution works with African governments to align sourcing, production, trade and intellectual property policies, ensuring African creativity generates greater value for African businesses and communities.
Nigeria became the first country to sign the African Fashion Industry Growth Charter on November 5, 2025, when the Honourable Minister Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa signed on behalf of the Federal Government.
Speaking ahead of the unveiling, Minister Musawa said: “Afroliganza seeks to build a structured, values-driven fashion economy rooted in African heritage, led by African institutions, and positioned for global impact.”
On employment potential, the minister emphasized that Investment in fashion will create millions of jobs, particularly for women and youth.
Registered in Rwanda, with an office in Kigali and a desk at the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, CAFA is also working with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs towards African Union adoption of the Charter. Rwanda is progressing towards becoming its second participating country and the first in East Africa.
Its first year saw fifty nations gather at the Egbaliganza-Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta and a signed MoU with Türkiye’s ASRIAD.
CAFA’s programmes promote processing African raw materials into finished apparel locally. ‘Own What We Create’ addresses intellectual property protection, while the CAFA Certified Seal and CAFA Heritage Mark support standards and authenticity. African Global Fashion Houses are currently being established across international markets.
The African Global Fashion Games will debut in Nigeria in 2028, bringing designers together under national colours. Held every three years, the Games will alternate between African and international hosts, combining competition with investor meetings, deal signings and policy discussions. Its Instant Craft event gives competing nations identical materials and a fixed clock, placing skill at the centre of the contest.
CAFA is inviting creatives, fashion designers, artisans, diplomats, economists, investors and policymakers to its CANEX stand. Visitors can explore the roadmap, ask questions and identify opportunities to contribute through design, manufacturing, investment, research, trade and international partnerships. The stand will be open daily from November 5 to 8.
CAFA calls on the African Union to adopt the Charter, and governments to sign the Games Register and form national teams.
“Fashion has always told the world who Africa is. Now Africa will decide what fashion pays,” Aare Prof. Lai Labode said.
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