Halilu: Africa’s Economic Future Depends on Strong Creative and Innovation Ecosystems
…says investing in young creatives, innovators will unlock jobs, industrial growth across the continent
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has called for increased investment in Africa’s creative and innovation ecosystems, saying the continent’s economic transformation will largely depend on its ability to empower young people to convert their talents and ideas into globally competitive industries.
Halilu made the call during a visit to The Village by Tikera in Abuja, a 30-hectare cultural eco-campus established to promote creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship within Africa’s creative economy.
He described Africa as a continent endowed with immense creative potential, stressing that sustainable economic growth would be driven by deliberate investments in platforms that nurture talent, foster innovation and encourage enterprise.
“Africa’s ingenuity is limitless. Our greatest opportunity lies in creating more spaces where creativity can evolve into sustainable industries capable of driving economic growth and creating jobs,” Halilu said.
The NASENI chief commended Tikera Africa for creating an environment where young creatives can acquire practical skills, receive mentorship and access opportunities that position them to contribute meaningfully to the continent’s economic development.
According to him, the future belongs to institutions and ecosystems that encourage collaboration, unlock human potential and transform innovative ideas into measurable economic value.
“The future belongs to ecosystems that encourage collaboration, unlock talent, and transform ideas into measurable impact,” he stated.
Halilu noted that NASENI’s development strategy is built around the creation of innovation ecosystems capable of accelerating growth in engineering, manufacturing, technology and the creative industries.
He explained that the Agency’s approach aligns with its strategic pillars of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation, aimed at supporting homegrown innovation while expanding opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and innovators.
The NASENI boss further emphasised that meaningful and sustainable development can only be achieved by creating environments where innovation is encouraged, supported and commercialised.
He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to building strategic partnerships that will strengthen local innovation ecosystems and unlock Africa’s vast creative and technological potential.
According to Halilu, empowering young Africans with the right infrastructure, skills and opportunities will not only stimulate industrial growth but also position the continent as a global hub for innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.
