Nigerian creatives are redefining global diplomacy through culture export- Official

Beyond Nigeria’s reliance on crude oil export, its creatives are redefining global diplomacy using culture as a more sustainable and vibrant export in the digital age, as Chioma Aisha Okorie-Haidara, minister in charge of Culture and Education at the Embassy of Nigeria Berlin, noted

 

During an EU- Africa forum on cultural diplomacy, hosted by the Centre for Cultural Diplomacy, Potsdam, Germany, Okorie-Haidara, delivered a compelling vision of  a nation powered by its 230 million citizens, 60 percent of whom are under the age of 30.

“We sell Nigeria through our culture,” Okorie-Haidara stated. “When I say Nigeria, you don’t need to ask if I am Nigerian. You can see it. That is what cultural diplomacy is all about.”

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The minister highlighted that Nigeria’s youths are not just consumers of global trends but are actively shaping them. With one of the fastest-growing digital markets in the world, the Nigerian creative economy has emerged as a powerhouse, fueled by platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

“Nigerians can create something out of nothing,” Okorie-Haidara remarked. “We are highly creative people using social media to make the world happy. Whether it is fashion designers like Vicky James or digital content creators, we are sharing Nigerian love with the global community.”

From Nollywood to Afrobeats
The Minister pointed to the staggering success of Nollywood, now the second-largest film industry globally by volume, producing over 2,500 films annually.

She noted that partnerships with streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime have provided an “authentic, compelling portrayal of African life to a global audience.”
This extends to the music industry, where Afrobeats has become an international sensation.

“We have won Grammys. Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems have shown the world how it’s done,” she said. “Afrobeats is not only reshaping global sound; it is reshaping how the world sees Nigeria and Africa as a whole.”

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Beyond the arts, the minister also emphasised that Nigerian hospitality industry and food is a key tool for international engagement.

However, the core of her message was a call for economic partnership. Addressing international investors and European Union policymakers, she urged a shift in perspective.

“I humbly urge the Federal Republic of Germany and international investors to look at Nigeria not just as a market, but as a partner,” she said. “We have the manpower and the fertile land. We don’t want to export raw materials anymore; we want production to happen in Nigeria.”

Challenging the “Single Story”
Addressing the misconceptions often found in international media, Okorie-Haidara challenged the audience to look beyond headlines. Invoking the words of famed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, she warned of the “danger of a single story.”

“If you have not been to Nigeria, you will not be able to tell the story of Nigeria,” she asserted. “The story of our country is one of complexity, nuance, and immense potential.”

As a practical step toward strengthening ties, the Haidara announced the Nollywood Travel Festival, scheduled to take place in Berlin from July 29 to August 2, 2026. The event aims to foster dialogue between Nigerian and German filmmakers, creating a “cultural bridge” through cinema.