Abuja: Nigeria and Saint Lucia have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster robust partnerships in tourism, the Orange Economy, and investment in the creative industries. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the agreement was signed on Wednesday during President Bola Tinubu's official visit to the Caribbean nation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nigeria's Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, who signed on behalf of the Federal Government, stated that the MoU offers a strategic framework to leverage complementary strengths. Musawa described the development as the dawn of a new era in Africa-Caribbean relations, adding that the agreement will promote bilateral participation in cultural festivals, exchange programmes, fashion collaborations, and museum development initiatives.
She further explained that the partnership aims to leverage Nigeria's globally celebrated creative industries, including Nollywood, Afro Beats, fashion, and storytelling, alongside Saint Lucia's world-class tourism and community-based tourism models. The MoU will focus on co-development of creative economy programmes, youth-centred exchanges, and strengthening of value chains for fashion, textiles, and artisanal industries, with plans underway for joint participation in major cultural festivals, including Saint Lucia's renowned Jazz Festival.
Musawa emphasized that Nigeria has mastered the art of creative industry and culture, from Nollywood to music to storytelling, while Saint Lucia has perfected the tourism model. This collaboration is expected to allow both nations to exchange expertise and co-develop capacities in both sectors, generating immense value for both countries and inspiring the global Black community.
Dr Ernest Hilaire, Saint Lucia's Minister for Tourism, Culture, and the Creative Industries, described the agreement as a formal reconnection of peoples separated by history but united by heritage. He noted that the agreement is about formally re-establishing ancestral links, with Nigeria serving as an inspiration in music, dance, fashion, and sports. The MOU offers an opportunity to deepen the relationship, building on the enjoyment of Nigerian talent at the Jazz Festival in recent years.