Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar said Nigeria has the potential to serve as a gateway for expanding the market for Indonesian creative products across Africa.According to her, Nigeria offers significant creative industry potential, particularly through the Nollywood film sector, which could open up collaboration opportunities for the Indonesian film industry to expand its international market.”Nigeria has the potential to become an entry point for Indonesian films in the African region. We should also learn their market trends, community needs, and the creative products that offer significant opportunities there. This way, Indonesian creative economy can be better prepared to enter the African market sustainably,” Irene conveyed in a statement received here on Friday.Currently, Nigeria produces around 2,500 films annually through Nollywood, with an industry value of approximately US$6.4 billion.Beyond the film sector, Irene said market access opportunities in Africa are also projected to open export opportunities for other leading sub-sectors, such as culinary arts, crafts, and fashion based on local wisdom.By the large population and rapid economic growth in Nigeria, she believes the penetration of Indonesian creative products is considered to have significant long-term prospects.This economic diplomacy collaboration was welcomed by the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Bambang Suharto.Suharto addressed the similarities in demographic characteristics, cultural diversity, and large populations between the two countries which provide strong social capital in strengthening economic and cultural cooperation.He noted Nigeria's growing interest in countries, such as Indonesia, offers a chance to enhance the country's positive image and unlock economic opportunities through partnerships in creative economy.As a follow-up action, the Ministry of Creative Economy, together with the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja, is encouraging the active participation of national creative economy players in various international promotional and exhibition events, including the Lagos International Trade Fair, to boost export value and expand business networks in the African market.