NECLive 2025 Begins in Lagos With New Dual-Host Format and Bold Industry Agenda

NECLive 2025 opened today at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos with a renewed mission to reshape Africa’s creative economy under the theme “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.”

The conference made history as Bolanle Olukanni and Tee A stepped in as co-hosts for the first time since NECLive began.

This year’s edition runs from November 28 to 30 and brings together entertainers, creators, media executives, investors and industry policymakers.

NECLive is organised by NETNG in partnership with ID Africa, BHM and Huce Valeris, with major support from companies such as MTN Nigeria, MultiChoice Nigeria and other creative-sector partners.

More than 50 speakers are scheduled for the event, including John Ugbe of MultiChoice West Africa, advertising CEO Steve Babaeko, FilmHouse Group CEO Kene Okwuosa and broadcaster Funmi Iyanda, alongside creators such as Timi Dakolo, KieKie and Gaise Baba.

Activities at the conference include keynote speeches, panel sessions, workshops, networking forums, innovation showcases and performances designed to strengthen creative enterprise.

Organisers say discussions this year will focus on funding gaps, intellectual-property protection, distribution challenges, policy reforms and platforms that support long-term business growth for African creatives.

Since 2013, NECLive has hosted more than 500 speakers, attracted over 100,000 physical participants, reached over 100 million people globally and helped broker more than 1,000 creative-industry partnerships.

NECLive 2025 continues the conference’s long-term vision to convert Africa’s cultural strength into measurable economic power and open new opportunities for creatives across the continent.