Nigeria and Tunisia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through cultural diplomacy and creative collaboration, ahead of the upcoming FITA2025 Summit. On Wednesday, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq., welcomed the Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Mohsen Antit, during a courtesy visit in Abuja.
The meeting, held at the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, centred on advancing cooperation in cultural exchange, tourism development, and Nigeria’s strategic involvement in the FITA 2025 Summit—Financing Investment and Trade in Africa—scheduled for 6 to 7 May in Tunis.
Describing the encounter as “timely and symbolic”, Minister Musawa underscored the transformative power of arts and culture in fostering African unity, creativity, and economic growth. “This meeting is a testament to the power of arts and culture in driving continental cohesion.” She added that both nations believe strongly in heritage and the creative sector as vital tools for strengthening diplomacy and driving inclusive development across the continent.
Ambassador Antit praised Nigeria’s commitment to cultural innovation and inclusion, and expressed Tunisia’s desire for a deeper partnership, particularly with the FITA2025 Summit approaching. “We see Nigeria not only as a cultural powerhouse but as a vital partner in shaping Africa’s creative future,” he said, highlighting shared values in heritage, tourism, and artistic advancement as a strong foundation for collaboration.
Discussions included plans for joint artistic ventures, cross-cultural festivals, creative industry alliances, and capacity-building efforts to nurture young talent throughout Africa. These initiatives align with Nigeria’s broader cultural agenda, notably the Ministry’s “Motherland 2025 Project”—a vision to position the country as a global hub for cultural reconnection, diaspora engagement, and creative economy investment.
Musawa reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to soft power diplomacy and pan-African cooperation, emphasising the FITA2025 Summit as a prime opportunity to display Nigeria’s vibrant cultural heritage and promote regional solidarity. “We are intentional about placing culture at the heart of diplomacy and development. Our participation in FITA2025 will reflect the strength and resilience of Nigeria’s creative sector and its role in shaping Africa’s narrative on a global scale,” she said.
Both Nigeria and Tunisia have pledged to collaborate closely on initiatives that champion artistic freedom, cultural sustainability, and the creative economy as a driving force in Africa’s transformation.