Shared culture and bold creativity are advancing Africa’s economic value
African creators mean business
From fashion to film, music to art, gaming to gastronomy, these disciplines are a constant reminder that African creativity has no bounds. Zero limitations mean there is only space for the continent’s Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs) to grow.
Already a dynamic sector, it is valued at around $60 billion and is expected to reach $200 billion by 2030. This growth is largely down to a young population that has the ambition to create, an advancing digital framework that provides the tools to learn, and a fluid investment chain that offers the support to scale.
In 2024, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) doubled its financial commitment to Africa’s creative economy through its funding of the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) program – the world’s largest gathering of creatives from Global Africa.
A $2 billion pledge over a three-year period, it demonstrated Afreximbank’s belief in a sector that has what it takes to drive the continent’s industrial development, economic resilience, and international influence.
Culture is a powerful tool
This year, CANEX WKND will once again set the stage for creatives from across Africa and the diaspora to connect with each other, investors, and industry leaders. Through strategic networking and innovative tools, it will aim to bridge the gap between creativity and business – transforming creative ideas into commercial gains.
“Our culture is not only a reflection of who we are; it is one of the most powerful tools our nations possess to transform economies, strengthen unity, and inspire generations.”
Hon. Ginger Moxey Minister of Grand Bahama
Taking place in Lagos, Nigeria from November 5-8, 2026, it will operate under the theme ‘One People United in Culture, Creating For The World’, representing the program’s vision for a Global Africa that is brought together through shared prosperity.
At CANEX WKND 2025, the Minister of Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey, noted the importance of Africa’s cultural legacy in helping the continent’s Creative and Cultural Industries fulfil their potential. “Our culture is not only a reflection of who we are; it is one of the most powerful tools our nations possess to transform economies, strengthen unity, and inspire generations,” she explained.
As a true celebration of African identity and opportunity, the upcoming CANEX WKND will ensure this message runs through the four-day program.
A launchpad for creativity
Built on the pillars of ‘Create’, ‘Learn’, and ‘Earn’, CANEX WKND will offer African creatives a one-stop ecosystem to further explore their artistry, advance their skills and industry knowledge, and monetize their creative output – with no discipline being left behind.
Earlier this year, Afreximbank partnered with pan-African technology company, Gebeya, to launch the CANEX Create-thon 2026. Designed for African creators in film, music, and gaming, the competition sought to help transform their original ideas into viable projects. Participants took part in an intensive four-day “creation sprint”, using Gebeya’s Dala Studio – Africa's first AI-powered co-creation platform – to bring their visions to life.
Winners of each category will be announced in October 2026, with front runners receiving $7,000 and a place at CANEX WKND 2026.
CANEX WKND will also reward African publishers and authors for their contributions to the literary world through the CANEX Book Factory Prize for Publishing in Africa; and aspiring young chefs through the CANEX WKND 2026 Junior Chef Competition, which will see them cook innovative, technical, and flavorful African dishes for a panel of culinary leaders.
As Africa’s Creative and Cultural Industries continue to redefine their crafts, strengthen their identities, and advance the continent’s economies, CANEX WKND 2026 will be more than a celebration of talent. It will be a platform for turning creativity into lasting commercial and cultural value, where creators, investors, and industry leaders come together through the collaborative spirit of Global Africa.
