The Nigerian Government has called for stronger international partnerships, increased investment and improved access to global markets for Africa’s creative industries to drive economic diversification, create jobs and strengthen the continent’s global influence. The call was made at a diplomatic briefing convened by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to sensitise the diplomatic community on the forthcoming Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2026.
The event is scheduled to hold from November 5 to 8, 2026, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, National Theatre Complex, Lagos. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, who represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, emphasised the importance of cultural diplomacy in advancing Nigeria’s economic interests.
Ahmed said cultural diplomacy remained “an important instrument for strengthening international engagement, promoting Nigeria’s cultural identity and translating cultural assets into tangible economic benefits.” He noted that Africa’s creative industries, spanning film, music, fashion, literature, visual arts, digital content and sports, had evolved beyond their cultural significance to become important drivers of innovation, employment and economic growth.
The Permanent Secretary cited the international success of Nigeria’s Nollywood and Afrobeats as evidence of the capacity of African creativity to shape global narratives and generate economic value. He, however, underscored the need for concerted efforts to address persistent challenges relating to access to finance, intellectual property protection, skills development and international market access.
Ahmed urged diplomatic missions to support four priority areas of CANEX WKND 2026, including facilitating investment and access to finance through the CANEX Deal Room and Finance Summit; promoting international participation by buyers, distributors and cultural institutions; fostering strategic partnerships through co-production, creative residencies and technology transfer; and strengthening cultural diplomacy by connecting Africa’s cultural heritage with emerging commercial opportunities.
He described CANEX WKND 2026 as an opportunity to advance the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). According to him, “the initiative would facilitate cross-border trade in creative goods and services, expanding market access and strengthening Africa’s participation in the global creative economy.” Ahmed also aligned the initiative with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its emphasis on economic diversification, job creation and the development of Nigeria’s cultural and creative assets.
In her remarks, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described CANEX WKND as “a strategic platform for connecting Africa’s creative talents with investors, financiers, buyers and commercial partners.” She explained that the initiative was led by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in partnership with the African Union Commission, the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Oduwole said the platform was designed to unlock the economic potential of Africa’s creative and cultural industries through financing, investment, trade promotion, capacity development and access to international markets. The minister disclosed that Nigeria’s successful bids to host CANEX WKND 2026 and the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027 formed part of broader efforts to position the country as a leading destination for major continental trade, investment and creative economy engagements.
She also highlighted the commercial opportunities offered by the CANEX Deal Room, which would connect creative entrepreneurs with financiers to explore funding and investment opportunities. Referring to the 2024 edition of CANEX WKND in Algiers, Algeria, Oduwole said the event attracted more than 4,000 participants from 81 countries and facilitated deals valued at over $540 million.
She said Nigeria aimed to build on that experience by connecting its creative enterprises with international markets and leveraging the global appeal of African culture to promote stronger creative ventures, improve intellectual property protection, increase exports and generate sustainable employment opportunities. The diplomatic briefing underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement in mobilising investors, financial institutions, cultural organisations and creative professionals to support Nigeria’s efforts to transform its cultural heritage and creative talents into sustainable economic opportunities.
It also highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy in advancing Nigeria’s economic interests, deepening African integration and strengthening the continent’s position in the global creative economy.
