Lagos became a meeting point for Africa’s creative industry as the 2026 edition of the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) brought together creatives, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and industry leaders from across the continent and beyond. Held from November 5 to 8 at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre, the four-day gathering provided a platform for celebrating African creativity, building partnerships and exploring new business opportunities.
Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and hosted by the Federal Government of Nigeria, CANEX WKND 2026 featured activities across fashion, music, film, literature, visual arts, gastronomy and sports. Beyond the exhibitions, performances and industry conversations, the gathering placed particular attention on financing, intellectual property, investment and the opportunities available to African creative businesses looking to reach international markets.
The Story Behind CANEX WKND
Before becoming a major gathering for Africa’s creative and cultural industries, the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) began as an initiative to help African creatives turn their talents into sustainable businesses and connect with opportunities beyond their local markets.
Established by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), CANEX focuses on developing Africa’s creative economy by connecting creative professionals and businesses with financing, investment opportunities, international markets and strategic partnerships. Its approach goes beyond showcasing African talent, placing emphasis on building businesses that can grow and compete beyond the continent.
The programme began gaining wider visibility through its participation in the second Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Durban, South Africa, in November 2021. This provided an opportunity for African creatives and businesses to showcase their work, connect with potential investors and explore partnerships across the continent.
The following year, CANEX held its first standalone weekend in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from November 25 to 27, 2022. The gathering focused on connecting creatives from Francophone and Anglophone Africa, with activities spanning music, film, fashion, literature, visual arts and other creative fields.
In 2023, CANEX featured at the Intra-African Trade Fair in Cairo, Egypt, from November 9 to 15. The programme recorded more than 21 live performances, 115 speakers and industry experts, and 13 masterclasses, alongside fashion, music and food showcases.
CANEX returned as a standalone event in Algiers, Algeria, from October 16 to 19, 2024. The edition attracted more than 3,876 delegates from 81 countries and featured 108 exhibitions and 12 masterclasses. Its Deal Room also generated deals worth more than US$540 million, highlighting the growing commercial opportunities within Africa’s creative industries.
In 2025, CANEX was once again part of the Intra-African Trade Fair, held in Algiers, Algeria. Its return as a standalone weekend in November 2026 brought the gathering to Lagos, Nigeria, for the first time, extending its efforts to connect African creatives with investment, business opportunities and international markets.
The Theme: One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World
The theme for CANEX WKND 2026, “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World,” highlighted the importance of bringing Africa’s creative communities together and creating opportunities for their work to reach audiences beyond the continent.
The theme reflected the shared cultural identity that connects Africans despite differences in language, nationality and creative expression. Through music, film, fashion, literature, food and visual arts, African countries continue to showcase distinct cultural traditions that influence audiences around the world. CANEX WKND provided a platform for these different expressions to come together while encouraging collaboration among creatives, businesses and industry stakeholders.
The phrase “Creating for the World” also emphasised the need for African creatives to look beyond local markets and develop work that can compete internationally. This includes accessing wider markets, protecting intellectual property and ensuring that creators benefit financially from the value of their work.
The theme also carried historical significance because of its connection to FESTAC ’77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, which took place in Lagos in 1977. With Nigeria approaching the 50th anniversary of the festival in 2027, CANEX WKND provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of that historic gathering and its celebration of African culture, unity and artistic expression.
By bringing together creatives and industry stakeholders from different parts of the world, CANEX WKND 2026 reinforced the idea that African culture can serve as a foundation for collaboration, creativity and opportunities in the global creative economy.
Four Days of Creativity: What Happened at CANEX WKND 2026
CANEX WKND 2026 featured a packed programme of activities across four days, with each day highlighting different parts of Africa’s creative industry. From conversations on industry challenges and business opportunities to fashion showcases, competitions, film screenings and live performances, the event offered a mix of professional discussions and cultural experiences.
The activities unfolded across different creative sectors, with each day bringing its own highlights.
Day One – Thursday, November 5: Opening Ceremony and Industry Conversations
CANEX WKND 2026 officially opened at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos, setting the stage for four days of conversations and activities across Africa’s creative industries.
The first day featured discussions and sessions on intellectual property rights, music royalties, film distribution, creative financing and sustainable business models for performing arts. There were also activities focused on literature, including manuscript pitching and conversations with writers.
The opening day’s programme highlighted the importance of building stronger business structures around African creativity, particularly in areas such as ownership, financing and access to wider markets.
Day Two – Friday, November 6: Fashion, Food and Creative Industry Highlights
The second day continued with industry discussions, masterclasses and activities focused on expanding opportunities for African creative businesses.
Two notable personalities at the event were Nigerian filmmaker Funke Akindele and American actress Uzo Aduba, who participated in separate fireside conversations. Their sessions provided opportunities to explore experiences and perspectives within the film and entertainment industries.
The CANEX Junior Chefs Competition also held its final, bringing young culinary talents together to showcase their cooking skills. Another major attraction was the CANEX Fashion Show and Awards Night, which celebrated African fashion, designers and creative expression.
Day Three – Saturday, November 7: Music, Film and African Entertainment
The third day brought further attention to African storytelling, food, literature and entertainment. Activities included the Africa Jollof Wars competition, film screenings, cultural conversations and other creative showcases.
One of the day’s major attractions was the CANEX WKND Music Concert, which featured performances from Nigerian artistes Davido and Flavour, Congolese music star Fally Ipupa, Sabrina Francis, Cali-Ber Tha Grime and Nigerian DJ duo Wanni X Handi.
The concert brought together music lovers and guests for an evening celebrating the diversity of African and diaspora sounds.
Day Four – Sunday, November 8: Cultural Experiences and Football Legends
The final day featured cultural excursions around Lagos, gastronomy activities and the CANEX Music Factory Songwriting Camp, providing further opportunities to explore different areas of African creative expression.
Sport also took centre stage with the CANEX Legends Football Match at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos. The match brought together former Nigerian and African football stars, including Jay-Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Finidi George and other football legends.
The Nigeria Legends defeated Team Africa 2–1, bringing the four-day gathering to a close with a celebration of African football history and sporting excellence.
Beyond the daily highlights, exhibitions, the CANEX Book Factory, visual arts showcases and networking activities provided additional opportunities for participants to connect, showcase their work and explore business opportunities across the creative industries.
US$118 Million Financing Arrangements for Nigerian Creative Businesses
One of the major financial announcements at CANEX WKND 2026 was the signing of financing arrangements worth US$118 million involving Afreximbank and Nigerian development finance institutions.
The package comprised three separate arrangements:
- US$75 million financing facility: An arrangement between Afreximbank and the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN).
- US$30 million financing arrangement: involving Afreximbank, the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
- US$13 million grant: Also involving Afreximbank, NEXIM and SMEDAN.
Together, the arrangements amount to US$118 million and are intended to improve access to financing for Nigerian businesses operating in film, music, fashion and other creative sectors.
The funding is expected to help businesses expand production, develop intellectual property, strengthen distribution networks and compete in international markets. However, the announcement represents financing arrangements and a grant commitment, not confirmation that the entire amount has already been disbursed to beneficiaries.
Afreximbank Increases Its Creative Industry Financing Commitment to US$2 Billion
Beyond the financing arrangements for Nigerian businesses, Afreximbank announced an increase in its financing commitment to Africa’s creative and cultural industries, raising it to US$2 billion.
The expanded commitment covers the 2024–2027 period and is intended to support commercially viable creative businesses across the continent. It covers several sectors, including film and television, music, fashion, sports, literature and publishing, gastronomy and visual arts.
The increased commitment is also aimed at helping African creatives and businesses strengthen ownership of their intellectual property, develop distribution channels and retain more of the economic value generated by their work.
This is a continent-wide financing commitment, rather than a new US$2 billion cash donation made to participants at CANEX WKND 2026.
The CANEX Deal Room: US$1 Billion Investment Target and Proposed Transactions Worth Over US$500 Million
The CANEX Deal Room was another major part of the event’s investment activities. It was designed to connect African creative entrepreneurs with investors, buyers and financial institutions interested in supporting projects and businesses within the creative economy.
During the event, Kanayo Awani, Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President for Intra-African Trade and Export Development, disclosed that the bank was targeting at least US$1 billion in capital commitments from prospective investors.
She also revealed that two cooperative agreements worth approximately US$100 million had already been signed on November 5, with the bank hoping to attract further commitments before the event ended.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, also disclosed that Nigerian entrepreneurs were discussing proposed transactions worth more than US$500 million with buyers and investors through the Deal Room.
These discussions demonstrated the level of commercial interest in Nigeria’s creative sector. However, the US$500 million represented proposed transactions under discussion, not completed deals or money already received by businesses.
Although Afreximbank set a US$1 billion target for the Lagos gathering, a final published figure confirming that the target was achieved has not been established.
iDICE and Government Initiatives Supporting Creative Businesses
Another initiative connected to the financing discussions was the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme.
The US$617 million initiative is a Federal Government programme designed to support Nigerian businesses operating in the digital technology and creative sectors, particularly young entrepreneurs. Implemented by the Bank of Industry (BOI) alongside development finance partners, it focuses on improving access to finance, developing businesses and strengthening Nigeria’s digital and creative enterprise ecosystem.
At CANEX WKND 2026, iDICE participated as a Deal Room partner, creating opportunities for investment-ready businesses to connect with potential investors and financiers. Its planned activities included between 40 and 50 investor-enterprise meetings involving approximately 15 to 20 businesses. These were programme targets rather than confirmed completed investments.
The Federal Government also highlighted other initiatives aimed at improving the business environment for creative enterprises. These included the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy and the Creative Sector Investment Playbook, which provide direction on intellectual property protection and investment opportunities within the creative economy.
Other measures discussed included the Nigeria Revenue Service’s Investment and Tax Advisory Hub and the Creative Economy Tax and Investment Initiative, aimed at improving tax guidance and investment support for businesses in the sector.
Beyond the Financial Announcements
The financial developments at CANEX WKND 2026 highlighted the growing recognition of Africa’s creative industries as an important part of the continent’s economy. From the US$118 million financing arrangements for Nigerian businesses to Afreximbank’s wider US$2 billion commitment, the event placed attention on the resources needed to help creative enterprises grow.
However, the real impact of these announcements will depend on how effectively the financing reaches businesses, how many entrepreneurs can access the opportunities and whether proposed investment discussions translate into actual transactions.
For African creatives, the bigger opportunity lies in moving beyond recognition and visibility to building businesses that can create jobs, own their intellectual property and compete in international markets.
The Legacy and Impact of CANEX WKND 2026 on Africa’s Creative Industries
For African creatives, the real value of an event like CANEX WKND lies in what happens after the gathering ends. The connections made, opportunities explored and conversations around investment must translate into practical support for people and businesses working across the creative industries.
As African music, film, fashion, literature and other cultural products continue to attract international attention, there is a growing need to build an industry that allows creators to develop sustainable businesses, protect their work and benefit financially from their creativity.
CANEX WKND 2026 brought these issues into focus, particularly through its emphasis on financing, intellectual property and international partnerships. Its long-term significance will depend on how these opportunities develop beyond the event.
Creating More Opportunities for African Creatives
One of the important takeaways from CANEX WKND 2026 was the need to create an environment where African creatives can build sustainable businesses from their talents.
Access to finance, professional training, business partnerships and international markets can help filmmakers, musicians, fashion designers, writers and other creative professionals expand their work beyond local audiences.
Platforms such as the CANEX Deal Room also provide opportunities for creative entrepreneurs to meet potential investors, present their projects and explore commercial partnerships.
For young creatives and business owners, these opportunities highlight the importance of developing not only their creative skills but also the business knowledge needed to manage and grow their work.
However, the long-term value of these opportunities will depend on whether the connections made during the event translate into actual investments, projects and business growth.
Strengthening African Ownership of Intellectual Property
Another important issue highlighted during the gathering was the need for African creatives and businesses to retain more of the economic value generated by their work.
African music, films, fashion and other cultural products continue to reach international audiences. However, creators also need to have control over the intellectual property rights, distribution channels and commercial arrangements through which their work generates revenue.
Afreximbank’s expanded financing commitment and the discussions around intellectual property protection reflect the importance of building an industry where African creators can benefit financially from their ideas and creative output.
Protecting intellectual property also helps businesses develop valuable assets, establish stronger partnerships and create opportunities for long-term growth.
What Hosting CANEX WKND in Lagos Means for Nigeria’s Creative Industry
The 2026 edition marked an important moment for Nigeria as Lagos hosted the standalone CANEX WKND for the first time.
As one of Africa’s major creative centres, Lagos provided a setting for bringing together local and international participants across music, film, fashion, literature, gastronomy and other creative sectors.
Hosting the gathering also placed Nigeria’s creative businesses, entrepreneurs and cultural institutions within conversations involving investors, policymakers and industry leaders from different parts of the world.
For Nigerian creatives, the event provided an opportunity to showcase their work, build professional connections and explore partnerships beyond the country’s borders.
Beyond the four days, the significance of hosting CANEX in Lagos will depend on how local businesses and creative professionals can build on the connections and opportunities presented during the gathering.
What Comes After CANEX WKND 2026
Ultimately, the impact of CANEX WKND 2026 will not be measured by attendance figures, performances or financial announcements alone. Its lasting significance will depend on how the conversations and commitments made in Lagos translate into accessible financing, stronger creative businesses, protected intellectual property and increased opportunities for African talent.
For the creatives who participated, the gathering highlighted the importance of combining artistic ability with the business structures, partnerships and resources needed to sustain their work.
As CANEX continues its work across the continent, the challenge ahead is to ensure that African creativity does not only reach global audiences but also creates lasting economic opportunities for the people and businesses behind it.
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