In a move that underscores the growing creative and cultural partnership between Africa and the Caribbean, a delegation from Saint Lucia paid an official visit to Chocolate City Group on October recently, as part of efforts to advance bilateral collaboration in the creative industries.
The visit follows the historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on July 2, 2025, between the Governments of Nigeria and Saint Lucia, an agreement focused on strengthening ties across tourism, the Orange Economy, and the creative sectors.
Led by the Permanent Secretary of Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Culture, Creative Industries and Information, the six-person delegation, according to a statement included Kayode Francois, Trevor King, Christine Samuel, Tamla Lionel, and Irvin (Ace) Loctor. During their visit, the team met with Chocolate City Group’s Co-founder, Paul Okeugo; CEO, Abuchi Peter Ugwu, amongst other executives for strategic discussions around talent exchange, music production, and capacity-building opportunities for young creatives across both regions.
Speaking during the visit, 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.”
The interaction at Chocolate City, the statement said highlighted both nations’ shared ambition to co-create pathways for mutual growth in the creative economy. As one of Africa’s leading music and entertainment powerhouses, Chocolate City continues to champion innovation through initiatives like FoundersFund Africa and ongoing contributions to projects such as the restructuring of the Nigerian Film Institute, aimed at nurturing the next generation of creative talent.
According to Chocolate City Group’s CEO, Abuchi Peter Ugwu, “This collaboration represents a bridge across continents, between Africa and the Caribbean, as one of the goals for the company anchored on shared heritage, culture, and music. The creative industry is our strongest export, and partnerships like this will amplify our voice on the global stage.”
The visit to Chocolate City kicks off Saint Lucia’s plans in Lagos to link up with Nigeria’s creative industry. They’re leveraging the MOU to blend Nigeria’s awesome creative power with Saint Lucia’s tourism vibe. With future collaborations expected across music, film, fashion, arts, and cultural festivals, both nations are poised to redefine Afro-Caribbean creative diplomacy. The partnership will also involve cross-participation in landmark events, such as Saint Lucia’s Jazz Festival and Nigeria’s vibrant ‘Detty December’ celebrations.
