Introduction

ABOUT CANEX

The Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs) as drivers of both economic growth and cultural engagement primarily generate income through the trade and commercialisation of intellectual property rights whilst creating new jobs in higher occupational skills, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.

With advancements in technology, especially the digital and streaming revolutions, creative and knowledge-based industries have become leaders in disruption and innovation, emerging amongst the most dynamic sectors in the global economy. In addition to its economic benefits, cultural and creative industries generate non-monetary value that can contribute significantly to achieving people centered, inclusive, and sustainable development.

However, despite being among the most rapidly growing sectors, CCIs and their linkages to the rest of the economy have largely been overlooked in Africa resulting in the dominance of informal players and emergence of unstructured markets. Some of the constraints to the growth and development of Africa’s CCI’s include limited capital, due largely to perceived risks associated with the sectors; knowledge gaps especially in specialised areas e.g. film production, incomplete value chains; limited linkages into high value demand hubs; and unfavourable regulatory environment. 

Afreximbank, having recognized the relevance and opportunities provided by the creative economy as a key driver for development and job creation, established the Creative Africa Nexus programme (CANEX) to support the development of Africa’s Creative and Cultural Industries and address some of the challenges faced by this economy, through the provision of access to finance, capacity building, trade, investment and export promotion, access to new market opportunities, digital solutions, and policy advocacy to fast-track the scaling of Africa’s creative sectors within the global economy.

CANEX Objectives

The key strategic objectives under the CANEX Programme include:

Increasing Africa’s share of global cultural trade flows through trade and investment promotion activities

Deploying specialised financial products to support the CCI ecosystem

Facilitating technical capacity programs that enable export grade production

Facilitating market access to high value demand hubs (through partnerships)

Advocating for harmonised regulatory reform especially in relation to IP rights and standards.

Instruments of intervention

The key strategic objectives under the CANEX Programme include:

CANEX at IATF2025

CANEX WKND 2024 saw delegates from across the continent representing a diversity of creative sectors, taking part at this event which hosted over 20 live performances, had 115 speakers who are industry leaders and experts, 13 masterclass sessions, and included an awe-inspiring fashion show, high energy music concert and exciting gastronomical showcases alongside a vibrant market and exhibition.CANEX at IATF 2025 will further develop conversations and provide even more business-to business and business-to government opportunities through a 7-day gathering that will once again hold under the theme “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World.”The event provides a unique platform for facilitating business, investment, collaboration, partnerships, and inspiration amongst creatives across the value chain. The objectives of CANEX at IATF, include gathering continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services, and to explore business and investment opportunities within the rapidly expanding creative economy.   

Key highlights will include:

Exhibition & Market

An exciting space to exhibit fashion, visual arts, crafts, gastronomy and other creative products in a dynamic market.

ROUND TABLES & MASTERCLASSES

A range of high- level masterclasses aimed at fine tuning expertise across various creative sectors and hosted by experts from Africa and beyond.

CONVERSATIONS

Engaging and in-depth panel discussions with outcomes driven topics with a focus on high-level Fireside Chats with experts and respected African and Diasporic creatives.

LIVE PERFORMANCES

A range of live performances from some of Africa and the diaspora’s top musicians and performers will take place on the CANEX at IATF 2025 Main Stage.

GASTRONOMY SHOWCASES​

Celebrity chefs from Africa and the Diaspora will be on hand to share their stories, expertise and maybe even some recipes!

ART EXHIBITION

Once again CANEX at IATF will host showcase of visual arts curated especially for the event.

CANEX MUSIC FACTORY

Once again the CANEX Music Factory live recording studio will be on site for music recording sessions facilitated by industry experts – be part of the next album release.

CANEX SHORTS

This short film competition will once again take place at CANEX at IATF 2025 with the screening of the winning films and an awards ceremony.

CANEX BOOK FACTORY & AFRICAN AWARD FOR PUBLISHING

CANEX Book Factory presented in partnership with Narrative Landscape Press

NETWORKING / B2B & B2G OPPORTUNITIES

A host of networking and dealmaking opportunities and events are always a part of CANEX at IATF 2025.

CANEX Book Fair

The CANEX Book Fair in partnership with APNET
FASHION MUSIC FILM VISUAL ARTS LITERATURE SPORTS Visual Arts & Crafts Gastronomy ARTS