Lagos has become the meeting point for Africa’s creative industries as the 2026 edition of Creative Africa Nexus Weekend, CANEX WKND, opened on November 5 at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly the National Theatre, according to Vanguard News and NWE. Running until November 8, the four-day gathering brings together artists, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and industry leaders from across Africa, the Caribbean and the diaspora under the theme “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World.” Organised by the African Export-Import Bank through its CANEX initiative and hosted by the Federal Government of Nigeria, the event is designed to strengthen the commercial infrastructure of Africa’s creative economy.
A major highlight will be the CANEX WKND Mega Concert on Saturday, November 7, featuring Nigerian music stars Davido and Flavour alongside Congolese singer Fally Ipupa. The line-up also includes Sabrina Francis, Cali-Ber Tha Grime and Nigerian DJ duo Wanni X Handi, bringing together performers representing different sounds and cultures across the continent and diaspora. Scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the National Theatre’s Main Bowl, the concert forms part of a wider programme that combines live entertainment with fashion showcases, exhibitions, film, gastronomy, publishing and creative industry discussions. Organisers have stated that concert access requires separate pre-registration, even for those already registered for the wider event.
Beyond its entertainment programme, CANEX WKND 2026 places significant emphasis on turning Africa’s cultural influence into sustainable businesses, investment opportunities and international market access. Its activities include masterclasses, industry roundtables, creative pitch sessions, a deal room connecting entrepreneurs with financiers, and discussions on intellectual property, technology, distribution and business development. The gathering reflects Afreximbank’s broader commitment to supporting African creative enterprises and helping creators retain greater commercial value from their intellectual property. By bringing talent and capital into the same space, CANEX WKND aims to position the continent’s creative industries as an increasingly important contributor to economic growth and global cultural exchange.
