More than 500 million dollars in proposed transactions involving Nigerian creative businesses are under discussion with investors and international buyers at the 2026 Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Weekend in Lagos.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, disclosed this at the four-day event, saying deal rooms organised in collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) were connecting local entrepreneurs with potential investors and buyers.
She said the discussions covered various segments of the creative economy, including sports, gaming, creative technology, infrastructure, arts and gastronomy.
“We promised to bring buyers and investors here. Today, Nigerian creatives are negotiating with them in Lagos. Our ambition is a deal for every part of the creative economy, from sports and gaming to creative technology and infrastructure, the arts and gastronomy,” Oduwole said.
The investment discussions come as the Nigerian Government seeks to unlock more than 600 million dollars in financing for digital and creative enterprises through the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme.
The government is also pursuing policy reforms aimed at reducing investment barriers and improving the business environment for enterprises in the sector.
Among the measures is the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy, approved in 2025, as well as the Creative Sector Investment Playbook, launched in January 2026 to guide investments in studios, content production and distribution.
Nigeria is also working with Kenya and South Africa as a co-champion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Digital Trade, which is expected to support cross-border digital commerce across the continent.
The event has attracted more than 15,000 delegates, including government representatives, financial institutions, investors, creative businesses and members of the diaspora.
Activities at CANEX WKND 2026 include the CANEX Deal Room, Creative Economy Finance Summit, African Producer Accelerator, CANEX Music Factory, CANEX Book Factory and CANEX CreaThon.
Other engagements cover film, television, music, fashion, sports, publishing, gastronomy, visual arts and technology.
Afreximbank has committed two billion dollars through 2027 to support Africa’s creative and cultural industries, with a focus on strengthening financing structures and expanding commercial opportunities for businesses in the sector.
