The federal government is targeting a $1 trillion economy by using Nigeria’s creative industry to drive investment, exports, job creation and access to global markets as the country prepares to host CANEX WKND 2026.

Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND), a major event for Africa’s creative and cultural industries, will hold in Lagos from November 5 to 8.

Jumoke Oduwole, minister of industry, trade and investment, disclosed the plan during a briefing with state house correspondents on Tuesday.

Oduwole said the government wants to “look beyond the cultural spectacle of the event” by connecting Nigerian creatives and businesses with finance, investors, technology and international markets.

She said the aim is to turn creative opportunities into actual business transactions.

FG seeks more value from creative industry

According to Oduwole, Nigeria already has a strong creative industry. However, the country needs to gain more economic value from music, film, fashion and other creative products.

She said the government wants the sector to create jobs, increase exports and attract foreign investment.

‎”For the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all states of the Federation, CANEX is much more than a celebration of African creativity. It is a platform for trade, investment, enterprise and market access,” she said.

‎”The opportunity before us is to capture more of the economic value generated by that creativity. That means connecting our creators and creative businesses to finance, investors, distribution, technology and international markets. CANEX must translate connections into transactions.”

The minister described Nigeria’s hosting of CANEX WKND as a national intervention to attract investment.

She said the event would showcase the country’s creative talent, technological innovation and entertainment industry.

Oduwole also expressed confidence that Nigeria would surpass previous CANEX records.

She added that all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory would have pavilions at the event.

The pavilions will showcase their creative industries, cultural heritage and investment opportunities.

CANEX to involve federal agencies

Oduwole said the government would deliver the event through a whole-of-government approach.

The ministries of arts, culture, tourism and creative economy, foreign affairs, and finance will take part.

Other participating institutions include the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Central Bank of Nigeria, National Theatre and Lagos State Government.

Mariam Ajaga, senior special assistant to the president on arts and culture, said CANEX WKND would coincide with the 50th anniversary of the construction of the National Theatre in Lagos.

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