The partnership was formally signed on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Terra Kulture in Lagos. It underscores IFC’s recognition of culture and creativity as viable economic assets capable of generating sustainable livelihoods, particularly for young people and women.

Under the agreement, IFC will support the refurbishment and enhancement of Terra Kulture’s creative and training facilities in Lagos. The initiative is aimed at improving access to professional, world-class spaces for writers, actors, technicians and other creatives, while strengthening training programmes that equip participants with industry-relevant skills.

Beyond infrastructure, the collaboration focuses on professionalising creative talent and expanding pathways into employment and entrepreneurship across theatre, film, visual arts and cultural production. The partnership also seeks to support the development, production and global distribution of Nigerian stories told from an African perspective.

Speaking on the partnership, IFC Vice President for Africa, Ethiopis Tafara, described creative industries as a powerful engine for opportunity and transformation.

“Creative industries are a strong source of jobs and opportunity, particularly for young people and women. This mandate partnership with Terra Kulture reflects IFC’s belief that locally rooted creative institutions can drive inclusive growth. By strengthening platforms that professionalise creative talent and preserve cultural expression, we are supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation,” Tafara said.

Founded in 2003 by cultural advocate and producer Bolanle Austen-Peters, Terra Kulture has, for over two decades, played a significant role in preserving Nigerian languages, storytelling and artistic expression. The institution has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading cultural centres, housing an art gallery, bookstore, African restaurant, a 400-seat theatre and a robust film and theatre production arm.

Terra Kulture has hosted and collaborated with renowned artists such as Femi Kuti, Burna Boy and Davido, while its theatre has staged acclaimed productions including Moremi, Dear Kaffy and Fela and the Kalakuta Queens. Through initiatives such as the Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA), the organisation has served as an incubator for emerging creatives, blending cultural preservation with enterprise development.

Commenting on the partnership, Austen-Peters described it as a critical step in transforming Nigeria’s cultural ecosystem.

“We value IFC’s confidence in Terra Kulture’s work. This partnership enables us to expand platforms that nurture talent, tell our stories and build a globally competitive creative sector. Strategic collaborations like this are essential to moving our industry from passion-driven to industry-driven,” she said.

The mandate partnership aligns with IFC’s broader strategy to formalise, finance and scale creative enterprises across emerging markets. IFC noted that the creative sector has strong links with tourism, technology and services, while also playing a vital role in preserving cultural identity and projecting African stories globally.

The signing ceremony included a guided tour of Terra Kulture’s facilities, including its art gallery and theatre, as well as a documentary showcasing its youth development programmes, films and stage productions.

As Nigeria continues to pursue economic diversification, both organisations said the partnership signals a shared commitment to leveraging culture as a catalyst for job creation, skills development and sustainable livelihoods, while strengthening the country’s cultural capital.