Wyclef Jean to establish tech hub in Nigeria

The project, the first of many such tech and infrastructure hub deals, will be built on 4 000+ hectares of land, and encompasses diverse initiatives aimed at fostering innovation across various industries.

Home to about 3.5 million people, Plateau State is the 12-largest Nigerian state located near the centre of Nigeria and includes a range of hills surrounding the Jos Plateau, its capital, and the entire plateau itself.

The music and movie studios, designed as creative incubators, will provide emerging talent access to world-class facilities.

One upcoming aspect of the project is NiDax, a commodities exchange designed for equitable wealth distribution that aims to provide equal access to commodity markets, fostering economic empowerment for participants. The project also involves green technology and cutting-edge manufacturing facilities, contributing to job creation and local industry development. The initiative also extends its commitment to sustainability with the creation of sustainable housing developments.

“This project is not just a venture, it’s a vision for a brighter, more sustainable future. Wyclef Jean and Caribbean International Commerce are paving the way for a new era of economic growth and creative expression in Plateau State, Nigeria,” a statement reads. “Together, they are breaking new ground and bringing innovative solutions to the forefront.”

Wyclef Jean said: “This partnership represents a fusion of creativity, sustainability and economic empowerment. We’re bringing the music of innovation to the world, and the world to the music of Nigeria. Together, we’re creating harmony in both art and commerce, setting a new standard for a brighter, greener future.”

“These sorts of synergies will naturally provide a platform for scaling up and exposing the young talents on the Plateau towards sharing their gifts with the world,” Plateau State governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang said. “The Wyclef Jean and Caribbean International Commerce [partnership] is one of the key collaborations that will harvest the plethora of creative talents in Plateau State and export them to the world. The time is now for breathtaking initiatives and the Plateau state is a fertile ground for such.”

In 2020, Wyclef Jean’s Carnival World Music Group successfully secured $25 million in capital funding, specifically allocated for music publishing and production ventures in underserved markets throughout Africa, the Caribbean, and other regions. He is set to visit Jos early next year to participate in the Incredible Music Festival hosted by Nigerian rapper, M.I Abaga, who also serves as an honorary adviser on entertainment and creativity to the Plateau state government.