Application Deadline: 30 July 2026
Programme Duration: April 2026 – January 2027
Location: Nigeria
About the Fund
The Creative Fund 2026 is now open for applications from Nigerian creative businesses, studios, production houses, fashion enterprises, and music organisations seeking support to strengthen the technical quality and production capacity of their projects. The initiative is funded through the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub and implemented by Tech4Dev to support high-potential projects in the film, fashion, and music sectors.
The fund was developed in response to research highlighting the challenges facing Nigeria’s creative economy, including limited access to technical expertise, financing, digital tools, and production infrastructure. Through flexible project-based grants, the programme aims to help creatives complete high-quality work locally while strengthening technical talent and industry capacity.
Focus Areas
The fund supports projects within three key creative sectors:
Film
- Post-production, Editing, Sound design, Animation, Colour grading or Visual effects (VFX)
Fashion
- Digital pattern-making, Technical design, Production engineering, Sustainable fabric sourcing, or Fashion technology innovation
Music
- Sound engineering, Music production, Mixing and mastering, Digital distribution, or Technical production support
Projects that address technical production gaps and contribute to local creative industry growth are strongly encouraged.
What the Fund Supports
Successful applicants may receive support for:
- Specialist technical talent costs
- Production tools, software, and equipment
- Digital asset management and creative technologies
- Knowledge-sharing workshops and exhibitions
- Training and mentorship activities
- Give-back initiatives that support the wider creative ecosystem
Grant sizes are flexible and determined based on the scope and needs of each project.
Funding Categories
The programme offers three funding tracks:
- Core Project Grants: For emerging creators and smaller projects with clearly identified technical needs.
- Growth Project Grants: For established projects and organisations with proven experience and larger-scale implementation capacity.
- Collaborative Grants: For partnerships involving multiple organisations working toward a shared creative outcome with broader industry impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be based in Nigeria;
- Operate within the film, fashion, or music sector;
- Have a registered business, studio, production company, label, or creative enterprise;
- Demonstrate a specific technical production gap;
- Include between two and five mid-career creatives with at least two years of relevant experience;
- Commit to implementing at least one give-back activity;
- Be ready to commence project implementation within the programme period;
- Agree to reporting, monitoring, and compliance requirements.
Mid-Career Creative Placement Requirement
Each funded project must include between two and five mid-career creatives who will receive structured mentorship, practical experience, and technical exposure throughout project implementation.
Applicants are expected to provide CVs and profile information for all proposed creatives as part of the application process.
Give-Back Component
A mandatory component of the programme requires participants to contribute to the wider creative ecosystem through activities such as:
- Workshops and masterclasses;
- Community learning sessions;
- Pro bono technical support for startups and small businesses;
- Industry learning materials, case studies, and resource development.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Download the Technical Proposal template;
- Complete all required sections, including project description, technical needs, budget, and mentorship plan;
- Upload and submit the completed application through the official application portal;
- Participate in a virtual review if shortlisted;
- Complete onboarding and grant agreement processes if selected.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are strongly encouraged.
Important Dates
Applications Open: 22 April 2026
Application Deadline: 30 July 2026
Programme Period: April 2026 – January 2027
