CANEX WKND 2026 opens in Lagos, attracts African creatives, investors
The 2026 edition of Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) has opened in Lagos, bringing together creatives, investors, policymakers, business leaders and cultural figures from across Africa and the diaspora for four days of activities.
The event, hosted by the Federal Government and organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) through its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme, runs from November 5 to 8 under the theme, “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World”.
The programme covers film and television, music, fashion, sports, literature and publishing, gastronomy and visual arts, with discussions focusing on financing, intellectual property, technology, skills, investment and access to markets.
Afreximbank said the event would provide platforms for business deals, industry discussions and partnerships through initiatives such as the CANEX Deal Room, aimed at transforming creative talent and ideas into sustainable businesses and commercial opportunities.
The bank’s financial commitment to Africa’s creative and cultural industries has grown from its initial commitment in 2020 to $2bn, reflecting its ambition to support scalable creative businesses, strengthen intellectual property ownership and ensure African creators retain more economic value from their work.
The opening ceremony is expected to feature Afreximbank President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr George Elombi; Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; African Continental Free Trade Area Secretary-General, Wamkele Mene; and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among other dignitaries.
Notable personalities expected at the event include Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, Emmy Award-winning actor Uzo Aduba, filmmaker Funke Akindele, actors Richard Mofe-Damijo and Thuso Mbedu, and former footballers Didier Drogba and Austin Jay-Jay Okocha. Musicians expected to perform include Davido, Fally Ipupa, Flavour, Libianca and Charlotte Dipanda.
The programme will also feature discussions on financing the creative economy, artificial intelligence, intellectual property, film distribution, sports business and fashion entrepreneurship. Other activities include the Creative Economy Finance Summit, CANEX CreaThon, fashion show, book fair, culinary competitions and visual arts exhibitions. The event will conclude on November 8 with cultural activities and a Legends Football Match at Onikan Stadium.
