Nigeria and Saint Lucia have signed a landmark memorandum of understanding to foster robust partnerships in tourism, the Orange Economy, and investment in the creative industries.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to the Caribbean nation.

According to tourism minister Hannatu Musawa, who signed on behalf of the federal government, the MOU offers a strategic framework to leverage complementary strengths.

Ms Musawa described the development as the dawn of a new era in Africa-Caribbean relations, adding that the agreement will promote bilateral participation in cultural festivals, exchange programmes, fashion collaborations, and museum development initiatives.

She said the partnership aimed to leverage Nigeria’s globally celebrated creative industries, including Nollywood, Afrobeats, fashion, and storytelling, alongside Saint Lucia’s world-class tourism and community-based tourism models.

The minister said the MOU would focus on the co-development of creative economy programmes, youth-centred exchanges, and strengthening of value chains for fashion, textiles, and artisanal industries.

She said plans were underway for joint participation in major cultural festivals, including Saint Lucia’s renowned Jazz Festival.

“Nigeria has mastered the art of creative industry and culture, from Nollywood to music to storytelling. Saint Lucia, on the other hand, has perfected the tourism model.

“This collaboration allows us to exchange expertise and co-develop our capacities in both sectors. This partnership can generate immense value for both our countries but more importantly, it can inspire the global Black community,” she said.

Ernest Hilaire, Saint Lucia’s tourism minister, described the agreement as a formal reconnection of peoples separated by history but united by heritage.

“This agreement is about formally re-establishing those ancestral links. From music and dance to fashion and sports, Nigeria has been an inspiration.

“We have enjoyed Nigerian talent at our Jazz Festival in recent years, and this MOU gives us the opportunity to deepen that relationship,” he said.

(NAN)