The U.S. government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a strategic partnership of N3.5 million with Nigeria’s private sector to strengthen the nation’s creative industry.

The partnership with Ascend Studios, tagged ‘Africa Creative Blueprint’, will strengthen Nigerian youth with the skills and resources needed to elevate them to the international stage, the U.S. Mission stated on Monday.

Ascend Studios is a Nigerian creative industry organisation that provides capacity building, mentorship, and social, educational, and economic empowerment to women and youth to propel Nigeria’s creative sector.

“The U.S. government is eager to enhance Nigeria’s capacity as a leading player in the creative economy and encourage global partnerships.
“This partnership will create a stream of high-quality, commercially viable content that can compete on the world stage,” said Melissa Jones, USAID Nigeria Country Director.

Ascend Studios CEO Inya Lawal said the partnership between the USAID and his organisation was a milestone for the nation’s creative sector.

“Through this initiative, we are building the infrastructure needed to develop world-class creative talent capable of transforming the industry,” Mr Lawal said.

The partnership is expected to catalyse additional funding to strengthen Nigeria’s burgeoning Nollywood industry with additional partners, such as Paramount Nigeria, Venture Garden Group, and renowned music executive Ralph Simon.

The USAID noted that while Nigeria’s film industry had achieved global recognition, it was still facing structural challenges that were hindering its full economic and creative potential.

It also noted the key improvement areas to expand film distribution channels, enhance production quality through advanced equipment, develop stronger screenwriting and story development practices, and reinforce intellectual property protections.

According to USAID, addressing these gaps will enable the creative sector to capture a broader audience and support more sustainable revenue streams for filmmakers.

It further said that the training will take place across six Nigerian cities—Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Benin, and Asaba—ensuring wide-reaching access to this unique development opportunity.

The agency added that the Africa Creative Blueprint was now accepting applications for the training programme and cast/crew member employment.

It said directors, writers, producers, production coordinators/managers, editors, production designers, cinematographers and costumiers would be selected for the programme.

(NAN)