FG to Contact CEDF Grant Applicants for Next Steps

The Federal Government has said applicants to the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) will be contacted directly with next steps, as it moves towards capital deployment scheduled for Q3 2026.

In an update shared by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE) on Tuesday, the government acknowledged the strong response from across Nigeria’s creative sector, noting that submissions came in “in their thousands” from creatives nationwide. The Ministry said insights gathered from the applications are already shaping the structure and priorities of the Fund.

“The CEDF update is here and it is worth reading in full. Nigeria’s creative sector responded to the Fund in extraordinary numbers. Every application gave us a clearer picture of what this sector needs and that intelligence is now shaping exactly how the Fund is being configured,” the statement read.

Nigeria Startup News reports that the CEDF is designed as a long-term financing vehicle offering both debt and equity, with governance anchored in the private sector to ensure independence and sustainability. According to the Ministry, feedback from applicants validated the demand for such instruments, while also highlighting a more immediate need across the ecosystem.

“The applications confirmed strong demand for these instruments. They also confirmed that grants are the largest single financing need across the sector. Solutions for grant-based support are actively being developed alongside the core Fund,” it added.

As part of the rollout timeline, the government confirmed that all submitted applications remain valid and under consideration. Applicants are not required to take any further action at this stage, as communication will be initiated directly with those selected for the next phase.

“Capital deployment begins Q3 2026. All applications are being retained. You will hear from us directly,” the Ministry stated.

Alongside the CEDF, three complementary programmes are currently open to support creatives and early-stage founders. These include the iDICE Startup Bridge, which offers grants of up to N10 million and investment funding of up to $100,000; the Creative Enterprise Support Programme (CESOP), which provides incubation and mentorship support through the Bank of Industry (BOI); and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme focused on the creative and tourism sectors, offering free training, stipends, and recognised certification.

The government indicated that some applicants may be contacted for eligibility across these programmes, depending on their submissions.

Reinforcing its commitment, the Ministry stated that the broader goal is to provide sustained support for Nigeria’s creative economy through multiple channels beyond the Fund itself.

“We are in your corner. Keep building,” the statement added, signalling continued engagement with creatives as the Fund progresses towards full deployment.