by Good news for Nigerian youths, the Federal Government of is still accepting applications for the $100,000+ Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF). The Federal government launched the phase 1 of the Creative Economy Development Fund to provide financing for the creative industry. Apply and receive 2025 Federal government $100,000 Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF), as application deadline draws near.
About Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF)
According to Legit ng, the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) is designed to catalyze growth, innovation, and sustainable financing for Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries, in line with the government’s commitment to creating jobs, stimulating economic diversification, and boosting Nigeria’s global cultural footprint.
The Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF), which was recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), was officially launched by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), as a strategic initiative to boost Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries. The Ministry noted that this initiative aligns with the federal government’s broader economic agenda to diversify away from oil and enhance Nigeria’s global cultural influence.
This Phase One of the CEDF application focuses on investments with large ticket sizes i.e USD 100,000 and above. The Nigerian government launched this phase one of the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) to provide sustainable financing for the country’s growing creative and cultural sectors.
The Phase 2 which will launch on the 4th of August 2025 will receive applications from SMEs and MSMEs with a smaller ticket size for their investments.
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Purpose of Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF)
The fund aims to empower several sectors, positioning Nigeria as a global player and leader in creative industries. The fund targets writers and publishers, artists, fashion designers, filmmakers and directors, gaming studios, cultural tourism providers, media and digital platforms, local logistics, and training providers.
The Ministry highlighted that the CEDF will:
- Provide capital injections to creative businesses to scale production and access new markets.
- Expand financing options for creatives traditionally excluded from bank loans and investor networks.
- Generate employment opportunities, especially for youth, by supporting enterprise expansion in the sector.
- Introduce an innovative model that allows intellectual property (IP), such as film rights, music, and digital content, to be used as collateral for loans.
Which Fields are Eligible?
All sectors within the creative and cultural economy, including but not limited to:
- Film & Television
- Music
- Fashion & Design
- Visual Arts
- Publishing & Literature
- Gaming
- Cultural Tourism
- Media & Digital Platforms
- Legal/Logistics services for creative enterprises
- Creative Training Institutions
Type:
Funding & Business Development Support
Who Can Apply?
- Individuals, businesses, and institutions operating in the creative and cultural sectors.
- Creative entrepreneurs and professionals across Nigeria.
How are Applicants Selected?
Applicants will be selected based on:
- Alignment with creative industry objectives
- Business scalability and potential for job creation
- Ability to leverage IP assets
- Quality of proposal submitted via the CEDF portal
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Only Nigeria (applicants must be Nigerian-based creative entrepreneurs or institutions).
Where Will the Award Be Taken?
Nigeria – operations and investments are expected to take place within the country.
How Many Awards?
Not specified. Multiple beneficiaries across both application phases.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Access to large-ticket funding up to $100,000
- Increased access to finance and new markets
- Job creation and youth employment
- Opportunity to leverage IP assets for collateral
- Business development, mentorship and ecosystem support
How Long Will the Award Last?
Project durations may vary, but funding is designed for scaling creative ventures and sustainable long-term growth.
How to Apply for the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF)
Eligible and interested applicants should visit the fund’s platform, CEDF Webpage, go to Apply Now and fill out the form using their details.
- Fill out the application form
- Upload any required business or personal documentation
- Applicants must provide their company’s name, address and proof of business registration.
- Provide the main and supplementary contact details, area of operation, current stage of business, and the type of funding.
- According to reports, only applications from $100,000 and above will be accepted in the first phase.
- Other documents required are the presentation of a five-year business plan.
Note: The name, email, and photo associated with your Google account will be recorded when you upload files and submit this form, use your real email to apply.
The online application for 2025 Federal government $100,000 Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) is totally free of charge, ignore anyone or any site requesting any form of payment from you. This is not the official webpage of Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) online application portal, visit the Online Application Homepage for your application.
When in the Application Deadline?
Online application for phase one (1) of the fund which was early announced to close on May 30, 2025, has been extended to June 30, 2025, while the second phase, targeting SMEs and startups, will still be launch on August 4, 2025. Make sure you Submit before the deadline: June 30, 2025.
