Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF): Application Extended! Everything Nigerian Youth Should Know
Posted on the Youth Activities Dashboard – Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery)
What You Need to Know
The Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) is live — and the application deadline has been extended to June 30, 2025 (previously May 30). This fund is a landmark initiative designed to unlock funding, growth, and global opportunities for Nigerian creatives.
From fashion, film, music, and gaming to tourism, content creation, and more, CEDF empowers young Nigerians to scale sustainably through:
- Capacity building
- Grants
- Debt & soft loans
- Equity funding
What Makes CEDF Unique?
- IP-Backed Financing: You don’t need traditional collateral. You can now access funding by leveraging your intellectual property (IP).
- Youth-focused Design: The fund is especially tailored for youth-led, innovative creative startups and SMEs.
- Huge Opportunity: The Nigerian creative economy is projected to contribute $100 billion to GDP and create 2 million jobs by 2030. CEDF is here to help youth lead that revolution.
Who Should Apply?
You’re a good fit if you’re a:
- Film or TV producer
- Fashion designer or stylist
- Musician, songwriter, or producer
- Game or animation developer
- Digital content creator
- Cultural tourism entrepreneur
Your business must be Nigerian, operating legally, and with marketable creative outputs or IP.
Application Tips: Stand Out, Get Funded
- Clearly Define Your IP
Describe the creative product(s) you own — music, scripts, games, designs — and how it generates income. - Have a Solid Business Model
Explain how your project or business makes money, who your customers are, and how the fund will help you grow. - Value Your IP
Even if roughly, estimate what your IP is worth based on past income or market potential. You can mention royalty earnings, viewership, or product sales. -
Choose the Right Funding Type
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Grant: for early-stage, community-impact projects.
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Loan: for scaling or improving operations.
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Equity: if you’re ready to partner with investors.
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Include a Growth Plan
Outline what happens next: Will you launch a new product? Expand to new markets? Employ more youth? -
Attach Relevant Documents
Business registration, financial records, past works (YouTube links, portfolios, Spotify plays, etc.), and any recognitions. -
Tell Your Story
Why you? Share a compelling story of your creative journey and your vision. This personal touch matters.
Application Deadline
June 30, 2025 (for Phase 1)
Don’t wait till the last day. Apply early to avoid technical errors.
How to Apply
Visit https://fmacce.gov.ng or the official CEDF portal www.CEDFnigeria.com.
Also monitor yid.fmyd.gov.ng (Youth Activities Dashboard) for real-time guidance and walkthroughs.
Summary Benefits for Nigerian Youth
- Access non-traditional financing
- Leverage your IP as a real asset
- Get discovered by investors and partners
- Join Nigeria’s creative economic transformation
Apply now. Build the future. No youth left behind.
For more information, visit the Youth Activities Dashboard.
