Digital creator Hauwa Lawal delivered one of the most resonant messages at NECLive 2025, explaining how storytelling is central to Africa’s cultural impact. Speaking during the panel session “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise,” she highlighted that Nigerian creators are increasingly shaping global narratives by sharing authentic lived experiences.

“The creative economy can only be exported when Africans take ownership of their stories,” Hauwa said. She described how her own work is rooted in a community that feels seen when she creates content about identity, daily life, and social realities. She added that many Nigerians still face strange questions and assumptions outside the country because global audiences are often exposed to limited portrayals of African life. This, she noted, makes it even more crucial for creators to tell fuller, more human stories.

Hauwa further emphasized that digital communities now give creators the ability to reach global audiences without relying on traditional gatekeepers. “The world runs on stories, and African creators can thrive by embracing their own voices,” she said, highlighting the transformative power of authenticity and community in building Africa’s creative influence

At NECLive 2025, Mike Dada, President of AFRIMA and Lead Consultant at PRM Africa Marketing & Communications Ltd., emphasized the importance of self-reliance and proactive action within Africa’s creative industries.

“We need to save ourselves,” Dada said, highlighting the need for African creatives to take ownership of their growth, build robust infrastructure, and create opportunities that showcase the continent’s talent on the global stage. His remarks reflected a broader call to action for the industry to strengthen its foundations and drive sustainable development from within.

At NECLive 2025, digital creator Hauwa Lawal highlighted the uniqueness of individual storytelling in Africa’s creative industries.

“The way I tell a story is different from anyone else,” Hauwa said, emphasizing that every creator brings their own perspective and style to their work. Her remarks underscored the importance of authenticity and originality in connecting with audiences and standing out in the ever-evolving creative landscape.

At NECLive 2025, Dolapo Amusat, Founder of WeTalkSound, highlighted the vital role of community in building sustainable creative businesses in Africa.

He shared that WeTalkSound started as a community before evolving into a full-fledged company, reflecting a broader truth about the creative sector. “Communities are the bedrock of creativity,” Amusat said. “Your content consumers are not just viewers. They feel like they’re part of whatever you’re building.”

Amusat added that the world’s most successful creatives and platforms thrive on strong, engaged communities, making audience involvement a strategic necessity rather than an afterthought.

At NECLive 2025, Yinka Obebe, Founder & CEO of PopCentral, highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in Africa’s creative industries.

“AI is that one single thing that’s our advantage,” Obebe said, emphasizing how leveraging technology can give African creatives a competitive edge on the global stage. Her remarks underscored the importance of innovation and forward-thinking strategies in building a sustainable and internationally recognized creative ecosystem.

At NECLive 2025, Mike Dada, President of AFRIMA and Lead Consultant at PRM Africa Marketing & Communications Ltd., offered a candid perspective on the challenges African creatives face in gaining global recognition.

“I always say that in Africa you can have masquerades performing but not the Grammys,” Dada said, highlighting the gap between Africa’s rich cultural expressions and the international platforms that acknowledge them. He stressed the need for stronger infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and global engagement to ensure African talent receives the recognition it deserves on the world stage.

At NECLive 2025, during the panel session titled “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise,” Chichi Nwoko, Founder & CEO of What Media Group, stressed the importance of nurturing talent and collaboration in Africa’s creative industries.

“As we build, we also need to find builders,” Nwoko said, highlighting that sustainable growth in the creative sector depends not only on visionary leaders but also on the skilled individuals who help bring ideas to life. Her remarks reflected the panel’s focus on strengthening Africa’s creative ecosystem through investment in talent, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships.

At NECLive 2025, digital creator Hauwa Lawal emphasized the significance of authentic storytelling in shaping culture and connecting with audiences.

“It’s important to tell our story,” Hauwa said, highlighting how African creatives can use their narratives to reflect real experiences, inspire communities, and influence perceptions both locally and globally. Her remarks underscored the conference’s focus on empowering creatives to take ownership of their stories and amplify Africa’s cultural voice.

At NECLive 2025, digital creator Hauwa Lawal shared insights on the impact of her work in the creative space, highlighting how storytelling can connect deeply with audiences.

“People see themselves in my story,” Hauwa said, emphasizing the importance of authentic content that resonates with real experiences. Her remarks reflected the broader discussion at the conference on how African creatives can use personal and relatable narratives to engage audiences and drive cultural influence.

At NECLive 2025, during the panel session titled “Building Creative Infrastructure to Power Africa’s Economic Growth,” Colette Otusheso, Chief Executive Officer of Accelerate Media Group, highlighted the immense economic potential of Africa’s creative industries.

“There is billions of dollars in the creative economy space,” Otusheso said, emphasizing the need for strategic investment, infrastructure development, and industry collaboration to fully harness this potential. Her remarks underscored the panel’s focus on building the systems and support structures necessary to drive sustainable growth in Africa’s entertainment and cultural sectors.