TGM Academy Launches Initiative to Train 10,000 Talent Managers Across Africa by 2030

In a landmark move poised to reshape the African creative landscape, TGM Academy has announced its bold mission to train and certify 10,000 professional talent managers across the continent by 2030. This initiative represents one of the most significant investments in the region’s creative infrastructure, aimed at elevating talent management as a strategic pillar of industry growth.

The announcement was made by Toyosi Etim-Effiong, Founder and CEO of That Good Media and Founder of TGM Academy, during the inaugural Talent Management Leadership Roundtable. The event gathered leaders from the creative, diplomatic, cultural, and corporate sectors to deliberate on the future of talent management as a catalyst for sustainable development.

Held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria, the gathering marked the official debut of TGM Academy—Nigeria’s first dedicated institution focused exclusively on professional development for talent managers. It also laid the groundwork for stronger collaborations between government, industry stakeholders, academia, and international partners.

Under the theme “Talent Management as Critical Infrastructure for Cultural Exchange and the Creative Economy,” the roundtable fostered essential conversations on building sustainable careers for African creatives, strengthening global partnerships, and elevating talent management to a recognized profession capable of driving economic growth.

Opening the event, Toyosi Etim-Effiong challenged industry players to reframe their perspective on talent management, emphasizing its role as the invisible infrastructure powering successful creative careers. She highlighted that while Africa continues to produce globally acclaimed musicians, filmmakers, and creators, the systems supporting these talents have yet to evolve in tandem.

“The future of African entertainment will not be determined by the quality of our talent. The world already knows that we have extraordinary talent. It will be determined by the quality of the systems we build around that talent, and by how effectively those systems connect African creativity with the rest of the world,” she stated.

She further revealed TGM Academy’s vision to train and certify 10,000 talent managers across Africa by 2030, supported by a ₦2.5 billion funding initiative. This investment aims to strengthen the continent’s creative workforce and create sustainable career pathways for future generations. “Investing in talent managers is ultimately an investment in the long-term success of Africa’s creative economy,” she emphasized.

The event featured prominent international partners, including Lefentse Matlhaga, Vice-Consul (Political) at the South African Consulate General; Nankling Danfulani, Trade Advisor Head of Education and Creatives, UK Department for Business and Trade; Praise Oluwarinu, Policy Support and Cultural Officer at the Netherlands Embassy; and Harry Kesiena, Head of Arts and Culture at British Council Nigeria. Their insights underscored the importance of international cultural exchange, cross-border collaboration, and institutional partnerships in expanding opportunities for African creatives globally.

Representing Lagos State’s commitment to creative industry growth, Mrs. Toke Benson Awoyinka’s team reaffirmed ongoing efforts to develop human capital and strengthen the creative economy. Similarly, Aishat Agbaje Okubadejo from the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy stressed the urgency of investing in leadership and systemic thinking to ensure sustainable growth.

A highlight of the day was a compelling discussion with award-winning producer and global media executive Sidra Smith, who shared insights on “Building Creative Ecosystems Through Talent, Storytelling, and Global Partnerships.” She emphasized that talent management is one of Africa’s most vital investments for the future, advocating for structured businesses around creatives that generate sustainable value and international collaborations.

The conversation continued with a fireside chat between leadership strategist Olakunle Soriyan and Toyosi Etim-Effiong, focusing on visionary leadership and ecosystem development to elevate Africa’s creative industries on the global stage.

Panel discussions also explored the evolving relationship between brands, creatives, and talent managers. Featuring industry leaders like Ibukun “Aibee” Abidoye (Chocolate City Group), Taiwo Adeyemi (BoxxCulture), Harry Kesiena (British Council Nigeria), and Michael Akinkunmi (3 Days Agency), these sessions underscored the competencies needed for international representation, ethical management, and sustainable partnerships.

A defining moment was the official unveiling of TGM Academy’s long-term strategy, including the launch of Megowa—That Good Media’s new digital platform designed to connect African talent, managers, brands, and cultural institutions in a trusted professional ecosystem.

Toyosi Etim-Effiong called on governments, diplomatic missions, corporations, development agencies, and industry stakeholders to become strategic partners in building the infrastructure necessary to support Africa’s creative economy for generations to come.

Additionally, the roundtable announced the launch of the TGM Academy Scholarship Fund, inviting public and private sector sponsors to fund at least 50 students’ tuition. “This is not a donation to a programme. It is an investment in the workforce that makes every other creative investment on this continent safer, more structured, and more profitable,” Toyosi emphasized.

The consensus among participants was clear: elevating talent management to a strategic profession is essential for unlocking Africa’s creative potential. Strengthening institutional partnerships, fostering structured education, encouraging ethical leadership, and promoting international collaboration will be key drivers of sustainable growth.

Insights from the roundtable will influence TGM Academy’s curriculum, partnerships, and programs ahead of its official launch, reinforcing its commitment to global best practices and the realities of Africa’s vibrant creative industries.

As That Good Media advances toward the academy’s debut, it reaffirms its dedication to establishing the systems, partnerships, and standards needed to position African talent managers among the world’s best—boosting the continent’s cultural influence and creative economy.

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