Media entrepreneur Chichi Nwoko has identified skilled talent shortages as a greater obstacle to Africa’s creative growth than physical infrastructure deficits.
Speaking at NECLive 2025, Nwoko, who has built 16 brands within her media conglomerate, stated, “It’s easier to build actual infrastructure than the correct talent that is required to actually drive the industry.”
She called for more finance professionals, policy experts, and legal specialists who can effectively communicate the creative sector’s needs to investors and policymakers. “We need more people being able to talk the talk that is required in order to pull the right people, the right kind of financing into the space,” she explained.
Nwoko revealed that her companies have incorporated training into their operations to address the talent gap, emphasizing the need for globally competitive skill levels. She challenged young people to view the creative industry holistically, not just as creators but as the business infrastructure behind creativity.
On collaboration, Chichi Nwoko highlighted how creators, government, and investors must work synergistically, noting that perception shapes investment decisions. She referenced how American embassy visa queues are fueled by Hollywood’s portrayal of the American dream, demonstrating storytelling’s economic impact.
Looking forward, Nwoko advocated for creative problem-solving in deal structuring that doesn’t always lead with financial requests. “Money will follow value,” she said, urging a long-term view focused on creating value through untraditional approaches to unlock opportunities for the sector.
