Tinubu Meets Bolloré in Paris Over Expanded Investment in Nigeria’s Creative Economy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has held discussions with French businessman Vincent Bolloré and executives of the Bolloré Group in Paris on expanding investments in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy.

The meeting, held on Friday, September 18, 2026, focused on opportunities in film, entertainment, fibre-optic infrastructure and other digital sectors.

According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Bolloré Group confirmed plans to deepen the localisation of its operations in Nigeria.

The group’s interests include major media and entertainment businesses such as Canal+ and Universal Music Group, while Canal+ also has interests connected to Africa’s entertainment market. The Bolloré Group says it holds a 30.4 per cent stake in Canal+ and an 18.4 per cent stake in Universal Music Group.

During the Paris meeting, Bolloré and his executives outlined proposed investments centred on Nigeria, which they described as an important driver of Africa’s cultural growth, particularly through the international reach of Nollywood and Afrobeats.

The discussions also touched on the need for more production and investment to take place locally, with the aim of creating employment and strengthening industries linked to Nigeria’s rapidly expanding creative sector.

President Tinubu said his administration remained focused on attracting investments capable of creating jobs for young Nigerians while strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure.

He welcomed the proposed expansion of the group’s activities in Nigeria, saying the country’s growing global cultural influence presented an opportunity to bring more production, investment and employment opportunities into the domestic economy.

The President said the government would continue to support investments that develop local talent, improve infrastructure and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a base for companies seeking to serve the African and international markets.

Tinubu also linked the discussions to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying Nigeria’s talent, enterprise and growing cultural influence should translate into greater economic opportunities and improved livelihoods for citizens.

The meeting comes as the Nigerian government continues to pursue investment in the creative and digital sectors. The Presidency has also highlighted digital infrastructure and initiatives aimed at enabling Nigerian technology and service companies to operate more competitively in global markets.

The State House said the engagement forms part of President Tinubu’s working vacation in Europe.

The meeting with Bolloré follows other engagements in France, including a private dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, as Nigeria seeks to strengthen economic and bilateral ties with France.