Godwin Tom, a music executive, entrepreneur and creative industry strategist with more than two decades of experience, has been confirmed as a speaker at NECLive 2026, where he will bring insights into the business structures and opportunities shaping Africa’s creative industries.
As the continent’s entertainment sector continues to attract global attention, questions around sustainability, intellectual property, professional development and commercial growth remain central to its long-term prospects. Tom’s career across music publishing, artist management and creative industry development places him at the intersection of these conversations.
His experience includes leading music publishing operations across Nigeria and West Africa, working within a critical part of the music business that connects creative work with rights management, licensing and revenue generation. His work offers a perspective on the systems required to ensure that artists and other rights holders can derive lasting value from their creations.
Beyond his executive career, Tom has invested in initiatives aimed at strengthening Africa’s wider creative ecosystem. He is the founder of the Creative Industries Initiative for Africa (@ciifafrica) and the Creative Business Academy for Africa (@cbaforafrica), organisations focused on developing the industry and equipping creative professionals with the business knowledge to build sustainable enterprises.
His involvement in these initiatives reflects a broader question confronting Africa’s creative economy: how can the continent convert its wealth of artistic talent into well-structured businesses capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and competing in international markets?
At NECLive 2026, Tom will contribute his experience to discussions about the future of Africa’s entertainment industry, with particular relevance to the commercial frameworks, skills and institutions needed to support its continued growth.
His participation adds a business and ecosystem-development perspective to the event’s programme, bringing attention to the structures behind creative success and the work required to make the industry more sustainable.
