The inaugural Digital Creator Africa (DCA) Summit has set a new benchmark for the continent’s creator economy, bringing together Nigeria and Africa’s leading creators, brands, and cultural voices. The event was held on September 18, 2025, at the Africa Creative Market (ACM), Landmark Village, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Convened by Creative Business Consultant Ifeoma ‘Oma Areh, the summit’s highlight came during the keynote by Nigerian media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, who unveiled the Fourth Mainland Creator Fund — a groundbreaking $500,000 (₦1 billion) initiative providing direct capital to African creators.
Scheduled to launch officially in January 2026, the fund is designed to invest in individual creators rather than companies or NGOs, prioritizing bold innovators who 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,” said Jideonwo. “Creators do not need permission; they need people betting on them in a systemic pattern.”
The fund, managed by Joy Inc. under its newly appointed CEO Jennifer Mairo, will be platform-agnostic — supporting creators across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Substack, and more. Plans include establishing a “record label for creators”, amplifying African voices on the global stage.
Spotlight Sessions & Highlights
The summit featured insightful conversations and sessions, including:
- Tomike Adeoye – Journey from content creation to commerce.
- Chichi Nworah & Mykel Parish – Blueprint for building a pan-African creative empire.
- David Adeleke, Obi Asika & Ifeoma ‘Oma Areh – Insights from Nigeria’s Creative Economy Report.
- Orji Emmanuel (Tyla E) & Ayobami Oyaleke (Mainstack) – Building a monetizable brand.
- Malik Afegbua – The future of AI-powered creativity.
- Charles Ugochukwu Born, Mabel Adeteye, Franklin Ozekhome, Abiola Fabio & Olufemi Oguntamu – Sponsorships and brand partnerships.
- Jesimiel Damina, Ariyike Owolagba, Olufemi Oguntamu & Dami Dawson – The future of African streaming.
- Tosin Ajibade (Olorisupergal), Sisi Yemmie & others – From creator to creative entrepreneur.
- UGC Panel – Community-building as the backbone of creator influence.
Moderators included Yolanda Okereke, Charles Ugochukwu Born, Mykel Parish, and Deji Garuba, while the event 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 providing them with the systems, structures, and capital to thrive.”
The event positioned DCA as a strategic hub for all categories of creators — those who post, those who build, and those who support the ecosystem — emphasizing vision, structure, visibility, innovation, and monetization as key drivers of success.
About Digital Creator Africa (DCA) Summit
The Digital Creator Africa Summit is a platform dedicated to advancing Africa’s creator economy through knowledge exchange, capacity building, and access to resources. The 2025 edition was proudly supported by Africa Creative Market (ACM), The WildFlower Company, WildFlower PR, WildPepper Studios, Mainstack, The Orange Group, and CWAY Group.