CANEX Weekend Puts Lagos Creative Scene on Show.

Lagos is taking centre stage as the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2026 brings together some of Africa’s biggest creative talents, investors, business leaders and diaspora guests for four days of entertainment, networking and business opportunities.

The event opened on November 5 and runs until November 8 at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, under the theme “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World.” Hosted by the Federal Government of Nigeria and organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). CANEX brings music, film, fashion, literature, sports, food and visual arts together on one platform.

What Is Happening at the Event?

CANEX WKND is more than a gathering of entertainers. It combines live performances, exhibitions, workshops, industry discussions and business meetings designed to connect African creativity with global opportunities.

The programme features prominent personalities such as Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, actors Uzo Aduba and Funke Akindele, Richard Mofe-Damijo and Thuso Mbedu, as well as football legends Didier Drogba and Jay-Jay Okocha.

Music lovers also have something to look forward to, with performances and appearances from Davido, Flavour, Fally Ipupa, Libianca and Charlotte Dipanda.

Beyond entertainment, the event features fashion shows, publishing workshops, food competitions, film discussions and creative technology sessions.

The CANEX Book Factory, Book Fair, Fashion Show and Awards Night, and Africa Jollof Wars Competition are among the activities bringing different creative industries together.

A major concert scheduled for November 7 will further showcase African music and talent, while the weekend concludes on November 8 with cultural activities and a Legends Football Match.

Why the Money Side Matters for Creators

One of the biggest conversations at CANEX WKND is how African creatives can turn their talents into sustainable businesses.

For many creators, having a great idea or producing excellent work does not automatically translate into financial success. Access to funding, investors, distribution channels and ownership rights can determine whether a creative business grows or struggles.

This is why Afreximbank's creative-industry financing commitment, which has grown to US$2 billion, is significant. The funding ambition is to help creative entrepreneurs build stronger businesses, protect their intellectual property and retain more of the money their work generates.

Through the CANEX Deal Room, Creative Pitch Sessions and Creative Economy Finance Summit, entrepreneurs can connect with investors and financial institutions interested in supporting projects across different creative sectors.

Discussions on artificial intelligence, technology, authorship and intellectual property will also help creators understand how to protect and commercialise their ideas in an increasingly digital world.

CANEX is committed to providing opportunities for African creativity, to attract investment and generate income.

What This Means for Lagos Buzz This Weekend

For Lagos, CANEX WKND is an exciting mix of culture, business and entertainment. With influential personalities, international guests, investors and performers arriving from across Africa and the diaspora, the city becomes a meeting point for creative conversations and opportunities.

The event also gives local creatives, entrepreneurs and businesses an opportunity to connect with new audiences, exchange ideas and explore partnerships beyond Nigeria.

From music performances and fashion showcases to food competitions and football, the activities add to the city's cultural excitement this weekend.

CANEX WKND puts Lagos on show; it's a platform where African culture meets business ambition. It is a continent where creative talents can compete globally when supported by the right financing, partnerships, and opportunities.