NECLive 2025 to Spotlight Nigeria’s Creative Economy Transformation

The Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) is set to take place in Lagos on November 28, 2025, focusing on the theme “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.” This year’s conference underscores the shift in Nigeria’s creative industries from cultural celebration to economic sustainability, reflecting their growing global impact.

Since its inception in 2013, NECLive has become West Africa’s largest and most influential gathering for the creative sector. It has hosted over 500 keynotes, workshops, and panel discussions, attracting more than 100,000 participants and reaching over 100 million people across 50 countries. The conference has facilitated more than 1,000 industry deals and partnerships, enhancing its reputation as a vital catalyst for growth in Africa’s entertainment ecosystem.

A diverse lineup of speakers and performers is expected at the 2025 event, including prominent figures such as Steve Babaeko, Audu Maikori, Mike Dada, and Obi Asika. Other confirmed participants include Funmi Iyanda, John Ugbe, and Chris Ihidero. This year’s edition arrives at a pivotal moment for African creativity, as Nollywood remains the world’s second-largest film industry by volume and Afrobeats continues to achieve remarkable global success.

The creative sector significantly contributes to Nigeria’s economy, accounting for approximately 2.3% of the country’s GDP, with an annual value exceeding $4.2 billion. In early 2024, Nigerian films represented over half of the country’s box office revenues. Despite these accomplishments, the industry faces ongoing challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to funding, weak intellectual property protections, and inefficient distribution networks. Rising production costs and piracy also threaten sustainable growth.

The 2024 National Creative Economy Policy was launched to address these issues, but its implementation has been slow, leaving the sector without the robust legal and economic frameworks necessary for success. “After more than a decade of facilitating crucial conversations within Nigeria’s entertainment industry, we’re witnessing an unprecedented moment where our creative talents are gaining global recognition and commercial success,” stated Ayeni Adekunle, Founder and Convener of NECLive.

Adekunle emphasized the need for a focus on building infrastructure, policies, and business frameworks to ensure that this momentum translates into sustainable economic power for Nigeria. The theme of this year’s NECLive reflects a commitment to demonstrating how creative enterprise can drive economic transformation across the continent.

Produced by Nigerian Entertainment Today and the Africa Creative Foundation, in collaboration with ID Africa, BHM, and Huce Valeris, NECLive 2025 is supported by major industry partners, including MultiChoice, MTN Nigeria, First Bank, and The Macallan. The event promises high-level discussions on policy, innovation, and investment, reinforcing its role as the heartbeat of Africa’s creative economy.

As the conference approaches, the anticipation surrounding NECLive 2025 highlights the potential of Nigeria’s creative industries to not only entertain but also to foster significant economic growth and cultural influence on a global scale.