CANEX WKND 2026 (Creative Africa Nexus Weekend)

CANEX WKND 2026, the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend organised by Afreximbank, runs from 5 to 8 November 2026 at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in the National Theatre Complex, Iganmu, Lagos. It brings together Africa's creative industries for business discussions, showcases and networking. This guide is for creative professionals, investors and agencies arranging trips to Lagos.

About CANEX WKND

CANEX, short for Creative Africa Nexus, is Afreximbank's programme to support Africa's creative and cultural industries. The weekend event combines business and investment discussions with showcases, exhibitions, masterclasses and networking opportunities across film, music, fashion, literature, visual arts, gastronomy and sport.

Afreximbank lists features such as the CANEX Shorts Film Competition, the Jollof Wars cooking competition and the CANEX Music Factory songwriting camp. The full programme and registration details are published by the organiser; see the official Afreximbank announcement for CANEX WKND 2026.

The event takes place in the same week as the Africa International Film Festival in Lagos, which makes early November a strong time for creative-industry visitors to be in the city. Afreximbank has also chosen Lagos to host the Intra-African Trade Fair in November 2027.

CANEX WKND 2026 dates and venue

Afreximbank lists CANEX WKND 2026 from 5 to 8 November 2026. The venue is the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in the National Theatre Complex at Iganmu, Lagos, one of Nigeria's best-known cultural landmarks. Check the organiser's channels for daily session times and registration.

How to get to Lagos for CANEX WKND

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Ikeja is Lagos's international gateway, with links to the Gulf, North Africa, Europe and cities across Africa. Domestic flights also use the airport's domestic terminals.

Pre-booked transfers, taxis and ride-hailing services are the most practical ways to get around. Lagos traffic can be very heavy, especially between the mainland and the islands, so allow plenty of time. Travellers should check the official entry requirements for Nigeria before booking.

The National Theatre at Iganmu is on the mainland, close to major expressways linking the islands and the airport.

Delegates attending both CANEX WKND and AFRIFF should plan their days by area, as the National Theatre is on the mainland and many festival venues are on the islands and in Lekki.

Where to stay

Victoria Island and Ikoyi offer the widest choice of hotels and are a reasonable drive from Iganmu outside peak hours. Some visitors prefer mainland areas such as Ikeja or Surulere to stay closer to the airport or the venue. With two major creative events in Lagos the same week, book early.

Planning a group trip to CANEX WKND

Creative businesses, investors, cultural institutions and trade delegations attend CANEX WKND to meet African talent, explore investment and financing opportunities, and build partnerships. Register through the organiser's official channels and plan which sessions and showcases each delegate will attend.

Arrange a car and driver for the group, and consider adding AFRIFF screenings or market sessions in the same week.

Frequently asked questions

When is CANEX WKND 2026?

Afreximbank lists CANEX WKND 2026 from 5 to 8 November 2026 at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, National Theatre Complex, Iganmu, Lagos. Check the organiser's channels for daily session times.

What happens at CANEX WKND?

The organiser says it covers film, music, fashion, literature, visual arts, gastronomy and sport, combining business and investment discussions with showcases, exhibitions, masterclasses and networking. Named features include a short-film competition, a jollof cooking contest and a songwriting camp.

Who organises CANEX WKND?

CANEX WKND is organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) as part of its Creative Africa Nexus programme for Africa's creative industries. It is part of the bank's work to grow Africa's creative and cultural economy.

Which airport is best for the event?

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Ikeja is the main airport for Lagos. The National Theatre at Iganmu is on the mainland, reachable by road from the airport. Allow extra time for traffic.

How do we register?

Registration and programme details are published through Afreximbank's official channels for CANEX. Register delegates in advance and check which sessions need separate sign-up. Keep confirmation details for each delegate. Arrive early on the first day.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to CANEX WKND in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.