Haitian rapper and musician Wyclef Jean, in collaboration with Caribbean International Commerce, has revealed a strategic partnership with Plateau State in Nigeria to inaugurate a technology hub in the area.
The inaugural project, representing the first in a series of tech and infrastructure hub agreements, is slated to occupy over 4,000 hectares of land, housing a diverse range of initiatives geared towards fostering innovation across multiple industries.
Plateau State, home to approximately 3.5 million people, ranks as the 12th largest Nigerian state, centrally located with a landscape featuring hills surrounding the Jos Plateau, its capital, and the plateau itself.
The creative incubators, designed as music and movie studios, aim to provide emerging talent with access to state-of-the-art facilities, setting the stage for groundbreaking creativity.
A significant component of the venture is NiDax, a commodities exchange dedicated to promoting equitable wealth distribution, ensuring equal access to commodity markets and fostering economic empowerment among participants. The project also encompasses green technology and cutting-edge manufacturing facilities, contributing to job creation and local industry development. The initiative further underscores its commitment to sustainability through the establishment of eco-friendly housing developments.
In a joint statement, Wyclef Jean and Caribbean International Commerce emphasized that the project is more than a venture; it is a vision for a brighter, more sustainable future. The partnership is seen as a catalyst for a new era of economic growth and creative expression in Plateau State, Nigeria.
Wyclef Jean commented, “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 synergies will naturally provide a platform for scaling up and exposing the young talents on the Plateau towards sharing their gifts with the world.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “These synergies will naturally provide a platform for scaling up and exposing the young talents on the Plateau towards sharing their gifts with the world.” He added, “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, earmarked specifically for music publishing and production ventures in underserved markets across Africa, the Caribbean, and other regions. Wyclef Jean is scheduled 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.
