Nigeria and the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia are cementing a significant partnership aimed at boosting their economies through culture and creativity. A high-level delegation from Saint Lucia recently visited Nigeria, specifically holding talks with the Chocolate City Group, one of Africa’s foremost entertainment companies, to explore strong collaborations in music, film, and fashion.
This visit follows the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two governments in July 2025. That agreement is designed to deepen cooperation across key sectors, including tourism, the Orange Economy (the creative industries), and wider cultural exchange.
The six-member delegation, led by the Permanent Secretary of Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Culture, Creative Industries and Information, was welcomed in Lagos by Paul Okeugo, Co-founder of Chocolate City, and Abuchi Peter Ugwu, the Chief Executive Officer. Discussions were highly focused on practical areas such as talent exchange programmes, joint music production, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at developing young creatives in both regions.
This emerging Afro-Caribbean alliance holds a powerful economic angle, focusing heavily on unlocking the global potential of the creative economy, often referred to as the Orange Economy. For Nigeria, the creative industry, powered by Afrobeats and Nollywood, is a vital non-oil export. By partnering with Saint Lucia, Nigeria gains a strategic gateway and partner within the Caribbean community (CARICOM), facilitating easier market access for its creative products across the region and into the Americas.
For Saint Lucia, the partnership allows them to combine their robust tourism and distinct cultural offerings with Nigeria’s dynamic, market-tested creative industry. The strategy aims to create a viable model of Afro-Caribbean creative diplomacy that fosters trade, innovation, and, critically, tourism revenue. Future collaborations are already planned, with both nations exploring cross-participation in major headline events, such as the renowned Saint Lucia Jazz Festival and Nigeria’s popular Detty December festivities, which draw large international audiences.
The Permanent Secretary described the engagement as “a pivotal step in igniting collaboration between two nations whose rhythms, creativity, and stories are remarkably aligned,” adding that “Saint Lucia and Nigeria are about to ignite.”
Abuchi Peter Ugwu, CEO of Chocolate City, echoed this excitement, stating that the partnership represents “a bridge across continents, between Africa and the Caribbean.” He stressed the economic significance of the sector, noting, “The creative industry is our strongest export, and collaborations like this will amplify our voice on the global stage.”
This initiative signals a shared vision to use cultural exchange as a foundation for economic diplomacy, proving that shared history and rhythms can translate directly into profitable trade and sustainable growth for both nations.
