By Chesa Chesa
In a landmark moment for Africa’s creative and cultural sectors, Tikera Africa on Tuesday officially launched ‘The Village’ in Abuja, Nigeria, with a bold vision to transform the continent’s creative economy.
The event featured the unveiling of the organization’s Board of Trustees and a showcase of its groundbreaking initiatives aimed at empowering African creatives through innovation, infrastructure, and policy advocacy.
Founded by acclaimed photographer and creative entrepreneur Bayo Omoboriowo, Tikera Africa positions itself not just as a consulting body, but as a creative economy enabler—committed to building sustainable ecosystems that nurture talent and promote cultural preservation while fostering international collaboration and economic growth.
Omoboriowo said “this is more than just a launch; it is a commitment to fostering a vibrant creative ecosystem where African talent can not only dream but also build and succeed on a global scale. The launch of our new creative and cultural community at The Village is the next logical step in our journey.”
A press statement issued after the launch explained that Tikera Africa builds on the success of MADhouse by Tikera, established in 2023 at the University of Lagos. The creative hub has earned international acclaim, hosting dignitaries such as Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark, former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and former President of Mauritius Ameenah Gurib-Fakim. MADhouse has become a dynamic center for creative incubation—supporting filmmakers, textile designers, digital artists, photographers, and more.
Its flagship initiatives include: Afri’talent Project, in partnership with the African Union and GIZ; Lens-based Incubation Program, featuring a $10,000 seed fund; Creative Leap Accelerator Program (CLAP); and Reimagining Hope Residency, supported by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy
These programs have equipped hundreds of creatives with the entrepreneurial skills and global market readiness needed to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
A key highlight of the event was the introduction of Tikera Africa’s Board of Trustees, a cross-disciplinary group of leaders spanning creative industries, policy, business development, and international affairs.
At the helm is media pioneer Dr. John Momoh, OON, who emphasized the board’s mission to guide Tikera Africa as a force for creative transformation. According to him: “We have a unique opportunity to shape the future of Africa’s creative industries. Tikera Africa will be a beacon of innovation and a powerful enabler for talents across the continent.”
The launch also saw the debut of The Weavers Hub, a women-led initiative designed to empower underserved women by transforming traditional weaving into profitable creative enterprise. This program highlights Tikera’s broader commitment to inclusive development and gender-responsive economic empowerment.
Through its network of strategic programs—including The Creative Village and MADhouse by Tikera—the organization aims to reshape Africa’s creative industries via: Purpose-driven infrastructure; Educational reinvention; Policy reform and advocacy; Sustainable business development; and International trade access for creatives
With these initiatives, Tikera Africa seeks to leave no talent behind, enabling creatives from diverse backgrounds to grow sustainable careers while contributing to Africa’s cultural and economic narrative.
Tikera Africa is a Culture, Creative, and Media Industry (CCMI) enabler committed to shaping a new creative and cultural economy in Africa. Through innovation, strategic partnerships, and inclusive programming, Tikera Africa empowers talents, promotes cultural heritage, and fosters socio-economic development across the continent.
