The inaugural Digital Creator Africa (DCA) Summit has set a new benchmark for the continent’s creator economy, uniting Nigeria and Africa’s leading creators, creatives, brands, and cultural voices. The event took place on the 18th of September at the Africa Creative Market at Landmark Village, Victoria Island Lagos.
Convened by Creative Business Consultant Ifeoma ‘Oma Areh, the headline moment came during the keynote address by Nigerian media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, who unveiled the Fourth Mainland Creator Fund, a groundbreaking $500,000 initiative that will provide direct capital to individual African creators. Speaking under the theme “Overtaking is Allowed,” Jideonwo announced that the fund will officially commence operations in January 2026, capitalized by nearly ₦1 billion of his personal funds.
Unlike traditional grant or mentorship programs, the Fourth Mainland Fund is designed to invest directly in individual creators rather than companies or NGOs, prioritizing bold innovators who deeply understand their audiences and have the potential to scale into global media brands.
“Grants do not build empires. Mentorship does not scale industries. Capital does,” Jideonwo declared. “Creators do not need permission; they need people betting on them in a systemic pattern.”
The fund will be platform-agnostic, supporting creators wherever they thrive — from YouTube and TikTok to Instagram, Substack, and beyond. Managed by Jideonwo’s Joy Inc, under newly appointed CEO Jennifer Mairo, the fund will also introduce a “record label for creators”, further amplifying Africa’s voice on the global stage.
Spotlight Sessions and Highlights
The summit featured high-impact spotlight sessions across multiple industries and creator segments:
Moderation was provided by fashion entrepreneur Yolanda Okereke, media personality and actor Charles Ugochukwu Born, and cultural ambassador Mykel Parish and media expert Deji Garuba while the summit was hosted by Isabella Adediji and Grand Prince Ita.
A New Chapter for Africa’s Creator Economy
“Digital Creator Africa is proof that Africa’s creator economy is no longer on the margins; it is at the center,” said Ifeoma ‘Oma Areh, Convener of DCA. “From skitmakers to filmmakers, food influencers to educators, digital product builders to AI enthusiasts, we are showing the full spectrum of talent and giving them the systems, structures, and now capital they need to thrive.”
The event positioned Digital Creator Africa as a platform for creators of all kinds; those who post, those who build, and those who support the ecosystem, emphasizing that applied vision, aligned structure, strategic visibility, niche innovation and systems are the foundation of monetization.
The Digital Creator Africa Summit was proudly supported by the Africa Creative Market (ACM), the continent’s premier platform for trade, collaboration, and partnerships in the creative economy. ACM continues to drive opportunities for African creators to connect with global stakeholders, expanding Africa’s creative industries into sustainable engines of economic growth. It was also supported by The WildFlower Company, WildFlower PR, WildPepper Studios, Mainstack, The Orange Group and CWAY Group.
