In a landmark effort to boost Nigeria’s burgeoning creative economy, Woodhall Capital, in partnership with Polaris Bank, the Lagos State Government, and the United Kingdom Government, has launched a ₦1.5 billion Creative Sector Fund to provide structured financing for entrepreneurs in film, fashion, music, and digital content.
The fund was unveiled during the launch of the *Creative Currency Podcast*, held at the Ikoyi residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter. The podcast platform, positioned as both a media initiative and a policy engagement forum, seeks to bridge the gap between creatives, financiers, policymakers, and investors.
The initiative aims to address long-standing barriers faced by creatives, including poor access to finance, inadequate intellectual property enforcement, and weak business infrastructure. According to stakeholders, the fund will create tailored financial products, advisory services, and support structures for MSMEs in the sector.
Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Abimbola Ozomah, emphasized the importance of reimagining the financial system to recognize creativity and intellectual property as valuable, bankable assets. “This fund represents more than capital; it reflects our belief in Nigerian creativity as a global force,” she stated during a panel discussion.
Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, Founder and CEO of Woodhall Capital, reinforced the need for specialized support for creative MSMEs, pledging to provide investor-matching services and custom advisory tools designed to align with the industry’s unique business models.
The UK Government reaffirmed its commitment through its representative, Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter, who described the initiative as a continuation of the UK-Nigeria Creative Industries Partnership signed in 2024. He hailed the fund as a global blueprint for creative sector collaboration.
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, outlined the state’s support through zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million under the Lagos Creative Fund. She noted the administration’s goal to position Lagos as Africa’s creative capital through policy reforms and infrastructure support.
Throughout the event, panelists stressed the importance of professionalism, intellectual property protection, financial literacy, and business formalization among creatives. Financial institutions acknowledged the need to adapt traditional lending models to accommodate intangible assets and export-driven revenue streams.
The launch concluded with a unified call to action: to invest not just in creative talent, but in the systems that sustain it. Stakeholders agreed that a structured and well-capitalized creative economy has the potential to generate employment, boost exports, and position Nigeria as a global creative powerhouse.
Polaris Bank, a long-time supporter of MSMEs, reaffirmed its continued commitment to financing small businesses, citing its expansive loan portfolio aimed at driving job creation and wealth generation across Nigeria.