The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for expanded international partnerships, increased capital investment, and enhanced global market access for Africa’s creative industries.
The appeal highlights the creative sector’s immense capacity to accelerate economic diversification, generate high-quality jobs, and elevate the continent’s global standing.
?The initiative was underscored during a joint diplomatic briefing convened in Abuja by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
The briefing was tailored to sensitize the diplomatic community on the upcoming Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2026, which will take place from November 5 to 8, 2026, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, National Theatre Complex in Lagos.
?Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, emphasized that cultural diplomacy remains a pivotal tool for deepening international engagement, promoting national identity, and translating cultural assets into measurable economic returns.
?Ambassador Ahmed noted that Africa’s creative domain encompassing film, music, fashion, literature, visual arts, digital media, and sports has evolved beyond mere cultural expression into a fundamental driver of innovation, workforce development, and broader economic growth.
He pointed to the global triumphs of Nollywood and Afrobeats as clear proof of how African talent shapes global culture and creates substantial economic value.
?To address persistent sector challenges—including access to capital, intellectual property protection, skills building, and international distribution diplomatic missions were urged to support four core CANEX pillars: capital access via the CANEX Deal Room and Finance Summit, global market participation, strategic partnerships through co-productions, and elevated cultural diplomacy.
?The Permanent Secretary described CANEX WKND 2026 as a vital engine for advancing the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
By facilitating seamless cross-border trade in creative goods and services, the platform broadens market access and strengthens Africa's share of the global creative economy.
These objectives directly align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its commitment to economic diversification, youth employment, and maximizing Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
?Also addressing the diplomatic corps, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR, highlighted CANEX WKND as a premier commercial bridge connecting African talent with global financiers, buyers, and industry partners.
Spearheaded by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) alongside the African Union Commission, the AfCFTA Secretariat, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, the initiative aims to unlock the continent’s vast creative potential through structural financing, capacity expansion, and market integration.
?Dr. Oduwole revealed that securing the hosting rights for CANEX WKND 2026 and the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027 forms a strategic component of Nigeria's plan to anchor major continental trade and investment hubs.
Recalling the 2024 CANEX edition in Algiers, which attracted over 4,000 participants across 81 nations and catalyzed over $540 million in deals, she expressed confidence that Nigeria will build on this legacy to expand trade channels, safeguard intellectual property, and create sustainable employment opportunities across the continent.
