Afreximbank Launches CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Federal Government of Nigeria launched the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) WKND 2026 on November 5 in Lagos. Held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, the four-day event runs through November 8 under the theme “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World.”

The event brings together over 15,000 creatives, investors, and policymakers to advance trade and investment in sectors such as film, music, fashion, sport, publishing, and gastronomy. A central component of the program is the CANEX Deal Room and the Creative Economy Finance Summit, both designed to scale creative enterprises and strengthen intellectual property ownership.

To support these goals, Afreximbank has expanded its financial commitment to Africa's creative industries to US$2 billion. The schedule includes high-level ministerial roundtables, a technology-focused 'CreaThon' featuring a US$50,000 prize pool, and a Legends Football Match to conclude the weekend.