RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, discussed collaboration opportunities with the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Bambang Suharto.

This economic diplomacy meeting focused on strategies to open market access for Indonesia's creative economy in Nigeria, positioning the country as a gateway to the African region.

During the meeting, the Deputy Minister highlighted the significant potential of Nigeria's creative industry—particularly the film sector via Nollywood, which produces approximately 2,500 film titles annually with an estimated industry value of US$6.4 billion.

According to a press release received by Voice of Indonesia on Thursday, 23 July 2026, Nollywood’s distribution network, which spans various African nations, is seen as offering collaboration opportunities for the Indonesian film industry to expand its international reach.

"Nigeria has the potential to serve as an entry point for Indonesian cinema in the African region. Beyond building industry collaborations, we also need to understand market trends, consumer needs, and the creative products that hold significant potential there. This will better prepare Indonesian creative economy actors to enter the African market sustainably," said Irene Umar at the Ministry of Creative Economy office in Jakarta on Wednesday, 22 July.

In addition to the film sector, this collaboration is expected to open export avenues for other key sub-sectors, such as culinary arts, crafts, and fashion rooted in local heritage.

Given Nigeria's large population and rapid economic growth, the market penetration of Indonesian creative products is considered to have significant long-term potential.

During the event, the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Bambang Suharto, stated that the shared demographic characteristics, cultural diversity, and large populations of both nations serve as strong social capital for strengthening economic and cultural cooperation.

"Nigeria is currently showing increased interest to countries like Indonesia. This presents an opportunity we must seize—not only to build a positive perception of Indonesia but also to generate economic value through various forms of collaboration in the creative economy sector," said Bambang Suharto.

As a follow-up measure, the Ministry of Creative Economy and the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja are encouraging the active participation of national creative economy players in various international promotional events and exhibitions—such as the Lagos International Trade Fair—to boost export values and expand business networks within the African market.