Creative Industry

Nigeria and Tunisia to Strengthen Cultural and Tourism Ties

Published

2 years ago

April 14, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Republic of Tunisia has expressed interest in establishing cultural and tourism relations with Nigeria.

His Excellency Moshen Antit, Ambassador of Tunisia to Nigeria, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, in Abuja on Monday.

Ambassador Antit highlighted the potential for collaboration in cultural exchanges and medical tourism between the two countries. He noted that Tunisia boasts advanced medical facilities and expertise, making it an attractive destination for medical tourism in Africa.

“Tunisia is known for its rich history and architecture which makes it a potential attraction for Nigerian tourists. Tunisia has also invested heavily in its healthcare infrastructure, and we believe that our medical services could be a valuable resource for Nigerians and other Africans seeking quality healthcare,” he said.

The Ambassador also invited Nigeria to participate in the International Conference on Financing, Investment, and Trade in Africa (FITA), scheduled for May 6-7, 2025, in Tunisia. He said that the conference is expected to attract over 2,000 participants from 60 countries, providing a platform for discussions on investment opportunities and partnerships in Africa.

“We will be happy to collaborate with Nigeria and explore different ways of building bilateral and multinational partnerships and encourage cultural exchanges among Africans”, the Ambassador said.

In her response, Minister Musawa thanked the Ambassador for his visit and expressed enthusiasm for exploring potential partnerships between Nigeria and Tunisia. She emphasized the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes economic growth through art, culture, and creative economy.

“This is an opportunity for us to strengthen ties within the continent and tap into the potential of our partnership. We look forward to our next meeting to document and seal our proposed cooperation with Tunisia,” Minister Musawa said.

The meeting between the Ambassador and Minister Musawa marks the beginning of a promising collaboration between Nigeria and Tunisia. Both countries are expected to explore ways to promote cultural exchanges, medical tourism, and economic cooperation in the coming months.

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Creative Industry

CAFA Targets $500bn Fashion Economy At Canex Wknd 2026

Published

1 week ago

November 1, 2026

The Gleamer

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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