The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), through its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme, has announced a strategic partnership with pan-African tech company Gebeya. This collaboration will launch the CANEX Create-thon 2026, an innovative competition designed to empower African creators across various digital media sectors. With a substantial prize pool of US$50,000, the initiative aims to help participants transform their original concepts into tangible, market-ready projects.
A New Model for Creative Development
The CANEX Create-thon is structured as an intensive four-day creation sprint, scheduled to run from August 20 to 24, 2026. Participants will gain access to Gebeya’s proprietary Dala Studio platform, along with essential computing resources and technical guidance to develop their ideas. This event distinguishes itself from traditional pitch competitions by requiring creators to build and submit working prototypes or completed projects in music, video, and gaming.
Bridging the Gap for African Talent
This initiative directly addresses the resource gap often faced by Africa's burgeoning creative talent. Temwa Gondwe, Director at Afreximbank, emphasized that while creators are visible, they frequently lack the financial backing and digital tools necessary for growth. The Create-thon aims to equip these individuals with the technology needed to convert viral ideas into sustainable, long-term businesses and secure a competitive footing in global markets.
Fostering an Inclusive and Supportive Ecosystem
The competition is open to a wide range of creators, from amateurs to established professionals, without requiring the backing of a production company or an existing audience. To ensure a supportive environment, between 30 and 40 ambassadors from Gebeya’s community network will be available to assist participants. These ambassadors will provide crucial support, helping creators navigate the Dala Studio platform and overcome any technical challenges they encounter during the sprint.
Capitalizing on Commercial Momentum
Amadou Daffe, CEO of Gebeya, highlighted the significant commercial momentum already present in Africa's creative industries, including music, gaming, and film. He noted that many creators still lack the infrastructure to fully realize their ideas' potential and commercial value. The Create-thon will place practical digital tools directly into their hands, empowering them to move from inspiration to execution and create products that can attract partners.
Rewards, Recognition, and Industry Exposure
The competition offers significant rewards, with first-place winners in each category receiving US$7,000, followed by US$3,500 for second place and US$1,500 for third. Beyond the financial incentives, top winners will also receive an invitation to attend the prestigious CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria. This provides an invaluable opportunity for exposure and networking with investors, policymakers, and leaders across the creative industry.
The CANEX Create-thon 2026 represents a pivotal step in developing and commercializing Africa’s creative and cultural industries. By providing access to technology, funding, and mentorship, Afreximbank and Gebeya are establishing a replicable model for nurturing creative talent and fostering commercially viable products. Aspiring creators can register for this transformative opportunity between July 30 and August 19, 2026, through the official CANEX portal.