The 13th edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) will take place from November 28 to 30, at the Landmark Events Centre in Lagos, organisers have announced.
Launched in 2013, NECLive has grown from a one-day event into a robust platform for industry discourse, networking, innovation and policy advocacy within Nigeria’s entertainment and creative sectors.
This year’s theme, “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise”, reflects the belief that the continent’s creative industries can drive major economic transformation.
In a statement released on Monday, conference convener Ayeni Adekunle, founder of BHM and ID Africa, highlighted the evolution and impact of NECLive.
“We founded NECLive over a decade ago because we were troubled and bothered about the issues plaguing the industry, holding talents down, holding companies down and preventing what could otherwise have been a truly transformational industry from achieving its true potential,” Ayeni said.
“We’ve gathered since then and we’ve attacked different topics and issues. We’ve had some of the best thinkers from our continent, standing on the NECLive stage, pitching ideas and solutions and proposing arguments and perspectives that did move the industry forward.”
He recalled that when NECLive debuted in 2013, the industry was battling issues like quality control, distribution, monetisation and globalisation.
“As I look back today, most of the issues that kept us up at night all those years have now largely been solved,” he added. “Our talents are global. Our content is being monetised. Our music is recognised everywhere. Our film industry is doing really, really good – the world is paying attention to us.
“But, as the old problems become a thing of the past, here comes new challenges and issues that appear even more dangerous,” he warned.
“Technology continues to rapidly change how the game is played; it is clear we are not winning the distribution and monetization war; and although our talents across film and music are gaining more recognition and being feted all over, it is difficult to draw a line between that and the commensurate commercial opportunities.
“Most of the IP are being wrested from vulnerable creators; and most of the infrastructure needed to truly derive value for creators and their backers either do not exist, or are plugged into avenues of exploitation. Hype is drowning true development; and celebrity culture, replacing true creation.
“This is by no means a diagnosis. But if you observe with me, we can continue listing many more challenges and identifying blockers and plotting opportunities. Imagine what the next 20 years could look like if we did the right things, if we won the right battles?”
Ayeni said NECLive would continue to serve as a rallying point for stakeholders across Africa and beyond.
“I invite you all to join us on this journey to interrogate, to investigate, to brainstorm and to understand what we need to know and do in order to make sure that as the world listens and dances to our music; as the world enjoys our skits and sketches and ideas and everything we have to provide; as our talents climb the world stages and our managers and producers and directors and investors give all they have to give, it does not all come to naught.”
He continued, “What is happening to and with our entertainment and creative industry is unprecedented; and many worked and prayed and hoped for a time like this. I know I did.
“Now that we are seeing a glimpse of what is possible, how do we make sure that true value does come back home? How do we make sure we actually build something lasting and sustainable? How do we make sure that there is value for individuals, companies, governments, and institutions?
“I’m proud to announce that NECLive returns with a commitment to work with everyone to address these issues and drive the necessary interventions, in addition to so many other efforts by well-meaning stakeholders.
“We will have several events across the country, across the continent, and in different parts of the world with the hope that we can all play our parts in making sure we maximize the huge opportunity before us.
“There is a big opportunity to influence the world. There is a big opportunity to build wealth. There is a big opportunity, big opportunity to demonstrate how this industry can and must be truly transformational in how our country and continent develop.
“I invite you to join the conversation, and to join us at our flagship event on 28 November 2025, and all the other events around the world you’ll soon be hearing about.”
The statement also noted that Nigeria’s creative economy now contributes approximately 2.3 percent to the country’s GDP, valued at over $4.2 billion annually. It cited Nollywood as the world’s second-largest film industry by volume and highlighted the global success of Afrobeats.
“There are, however, significant challenges in the industry, including infrastructure deficits, limited access to funding, inadequate intellectual property protection, and weak distribution networks,” it said.
“The creative sector faces increasing competition from international markets whilst struggling with brain drain as talent migrates to markets with better opportunities and support systems.
“Despite these challenges, the opportunities for global impact remain immense. Africa’s creative industries have the potential to capture a significantly larger share of the global creative economy, currently worth $2.25 trillion.”
Since inception, NECLive has hosted more than 500 industry experts, drawn over 100,000 participants, reached an audience of over 100 million in 50+ countries and facilitated over 1,000 deals and partnerships.
This year’s edition will feature international speakers, performers, policymakers, corporate brands and emerging talents.
