Davido, Drogba, Wole Soyinka, Fally Ipupa: A host of stars and decision-makers gathered in Nigeria for CANEX 2026

A major international economic and cultural event has kicked off in Lagos. Hosted by the Federal Government of Nigeria and organized by Afreximbank through its Creative Africa Nexus program, CANEX WKND 2026 offers four days of "spaces for transactions, sectoral dialogue and exchanges, including the CANEX Deal Room, to transform talent and creative ideas into stronger businesses, partnerships and commercial opportunities."

This initiative extends the financial commitment undertaken by the international banking institution. "This ambition builds upon Afreximbank's commitment to African cultural and creative industries, initially made in 2020, then doubled to US$1 billion, before the initial commitment was quadrupled to reach US$2 billion in available financing," the official statement specifies. The primary objective remains to help creators across the continent "build strong structures, strengthen control over their intellectual property, and retain a greater share of the economic value generated by African culture and creativity."

A host of prominent figures and a multi-sectoral program

The event was attended by political leaders and representatives of continental organizations, alongside prominent figures from the worlds of culture and sport. Speakers and guests included the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, Dr. George Elombi; the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene; Nobel laureate in Literature Wole Soyinka; and former international footballers Didier Drogba and Jay-Jay Okocha. Renowned artists such as Davido, Fally Ipupa, Flavour, Libianca, and Charlotte Dipanda also participated in the festivities.

The scientific and commercial program addresses several key areas: technology with the "CANEX CreaThon" boasting a prize fund of US$50,000; film with market research sessions covering Senegal, Egypt, and Nigeria; fashion through masterclasses on textile value chains; and gastronomy via the "Africa Jollof Wars Competition." The event will conclude on November 8 with a football legends match at Onikan Stadium.