The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for stronger international partnerships, increased investment and improved access to global markets for Africa’s creative industries, highlighting their potential 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 on Friday, 16 October 2026, to sensitise the diplomatic community on the forthcoming Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2026, scheduled for 5–8 November 2026 at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, National Theatre Complex, Lagos.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, described cultural diplomacy as an important tool for strengthening international engagement, promoting Nigeria’s cultural identity and generating economic benefits.
He noted that Africa’s creative industries, spanning film, music, fashion, literature, visual arts, digital content and sports, had become significant drivers of innovation, employment and economic growth. He cited the global success of Nollywood and Afrobeats as examples of Nigeria’s capacity to shape global cultural narratives and generate economic value.
Ambassador Ahmed urged diplomatic missions to support four priority areas: facilitating investment and access to finance through the CANEX Deal Room and Finance Summit; attracting international buyers, distributors and cultural institutions; promoting strategic partnerships through co-production, creative residencies and technology transfer; and strengthening cultural diplomacy to connect Africa’s cultural heritage with emerging commercial opportunities.
He further noted that CANEX WKND 2026 would support the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by promoting cross-border trade in creative goods and services, expanding market access and strengthening Africa’s participation in the global creative economy. He also highlighted its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in economic diversification, job creation and the development of Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries.
In her remarks, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR, 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, to expand financing, trade, investment and international market access for Africa’s creative industries.
Dr. Oduwole disclosed that Nigeria’s selection to host CANEX WKND 2026 and the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027 formed part of efforts to position the country as a leading destination for major continental trade, investment and creative economy events. She highlighted the CANEX Deal Room as a platform for connecting creative entrepreneurs with potential financiers and investors.
Referring to the 2024 edition in Algiers, Algeria, the Minister stated that CANEX attracted more than 4,000 participants from 81 countries and facilitated deals valued at over US$540 million. She expressed Nigeria’s ambition to build on this success by connecting local creative enterprises to international markets, strengthening intellectual property protection, increasing exports and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
The briefing underscored the importance of diplomatic engagement in mobilising investors, financial institutions, cultural organisations and creative professionals to support Nigeria’s creative economy. It also highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy in advancing Nigeria’s economic interests, deepening African integration and expanding the continent’s presence in global markets.
Signed:
Oluwafemi Adeniyi
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Saturday, 17 October 2026
