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CANEX opens Africa-wide creator competition
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), through its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme, has partnered with technology company Gebeya to launch the CANEX Create-thon 2026, a competition designed to support African creators developing projects in music, video and gaming.
With a total prize pool of US$50,000, the initiative aims to help creators turn original ideas into working projects by providing access to digital tools, technical support and computing resources.
Four-day creation sprint
Participants will use Gebeya's Dala Studio platform during a four-day creation sprint taking place from 20 to 24 August 2026. The competition is open to amateur, emerging and established creators across Africa, with both individuals and teams eligible to participate.
Rather than submitting ideas alone, entrants will be required to produce working prototypes or completed creative projects. During the sprint, between 30 and 40 ambassadors from Gebeya's community network will provide technical support and guidance.
Temwa Gondwe, Director, Creatives and Diaspora, Afreximbank: "Africa’s creators are visible and have the digital talent but have often lacked the financial backing and access to digital tools to grow their trade. The CANEX Create-thon bridges this gap by equipping our creators with access to technology to turn their viral ideas into viable long-term businesses. Through CANEX, we are enabling creators retain more value from their work, and to build a competitive base in regional and global markets. It’s time African creators captured the true financial value of their global influence."
Winners to receive funding and industry exposure
The competition will award first, second and third place in each of the three categories. First-place winners will receive US$7,000, second-place winners US$3,500 and third-place winners US$1,500. Additional finalist awards of US$500 will also be presented in accordance with the competition guidelines.
Submissions will first undergo technology-assisted screening before progressing to a public vote to identify the top 100 entries. An expert panel from the creative, technology and business sectors will then select the winners.
Amadou Daffe, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Gebeya: "The commercial momentum behind African creativity is already evident. Recorded music revenues in Sub-Saharan Africa have grown by more than 20 per cent in a single year, the continent’s gaming market continues to expand, and Nigeria’s film industry remains among the world’s largest by production volume. However, many creators still lack access to the technology and production infrastructure needed to realise the full potential of their ideas. Through Dala Studio, the CANEX Create-thon will place practical digital tools directly in the hands of creators and challenge them to build original music, video and gaming projects. We want to help African creators move from inspiration to execution and from experimentation to products that can reach audiences, attract partners and create commercial value."
Winners to attend CANEX WKND
The first-place winner in each category will receive the opportunity to attend CANEX WKND 2026, taking place at the National Theatre in Lagos, Nigeria, from 5 to 8 November 2026. Selected winners will also gain exposure through the CANEX network, connecting with investors, businesses, policymakers and creative industry leaders.
Registration for the competition opens on 30 July 2026 and closes on 19 August 2026.
