Afreximbank Partners with Gebeya for CANEX Create-thon 2026
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has teamed up with Gebeya, a prominent pan-African technology firm specializing in large-scale language models and infrastructure tailored for African language users, to launch the CANEX Create-thon 2026 as part of its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) initiative.
This innovative competition features a total prize pool of $50,000 and aims to empower African creators to transform their original ideas into tangible projects. It invites musicians, filmmakers, storytellers, game developers, and other creative professionals to showcase their talents across three categories: music, video, and games.
Participating creators will utilize Gebeya’s Dala Studio platform, along with computing resources and hands-on technical support, during an intensive four-day production sprint scheduled for August 20-24, 2026. Unlike traditional pitch competitions, the CANEX Create-thon emphasizes the development of working prototypes or finished projects, highlighting the potential of African creators when equipped with appropriate digital tools, resources, and mentorship.
Temwa Gondwe, Afreximbank’s Director of Creative and Diaspora, emphasized the importance of providing resources to African creators. He noted the existing digital talent on the continent but acknowledged the barriers posed by financial limitations and access to technology. Gondwe stated that the CANEX Create-thon meets this need, allowing creators to monetize their work and gain a competitive edge in both local and global markets.
The competition welcomes amateur, emerging, and established creators from across Africa, eliminating the requirement for backing from production companies or existing audiences. Individuals and teams can both participate, provided they adhere to the contest’s guidelines. During the creation sprint, 30-40 ambassadors from Gebeya’s network will offer guidance, helping participants navigate technical challenges and maximize the resources available.
Amadou Daffe, CEO and co-founder of Gebeya, pointed to the growing commercial landscape surrounding African creativity. He highlighted the remarkable 20% increase in Sub-Saharan Africa’s recorded music revenues over the past year and noted the expansive gaming market along with Nigeria’s robust film industry. Daffe reiterated Gebeya’s mission to provide creators with essential tools, enabling them to transform their ideas into marketable products that can resonate with global audiences.
Winners in each category—music, video, and gaming—will be awarded prizes, including $7,000 for first place, $3,500 for second, and $1,500 for third. Furthermore, qualified finalists will receive an additional $500 cash prize. All submissions will undergo a technology-assisted review to ensure adherence to contest requirements before progressing to a public voting phase. A panel of experts from creative, technology, and business sectors will evaluate the top projects and select the finalists.
Selected winners will also have the opportunity to participate in CANEX WKND 2026, taking place from November 5-8 at the National Theater in Lagos, Nigeria. Alongside the financial rewards, winners will benefit from exposure within Afreximbank’s extensive CANEX network, allowing them to connect with creators, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.
Registration for the CANEX Create-thon opens on July 30, 2026, and will close on August 19, 2026. Interested creators can register to access detailed guidelines on eligibility, intellectual property rights, and submission requirements.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.
For media inquiries, contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager, Afreximbank
press@afreximbank.com
Abigail Abebe
Digital Marketing Manager, Gebeya
abigail.abebe@gebeya.com
About Afreximbank:
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a multilateral financial institution dedicated to financing and facilitating trade within and beyond Africa. With over 30 years of experience, the bank has developed innovative financing solutions that foster industrialization and promote intra-regional trade, thereby driving economic growth across the continent. Afreximbank actively supports the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and has introduced the Pan-African Payments System (PAPSS), which has been endorsed by the African Union as a key payments platform for the AfCFTA’s implementation. As of December 2025, Afreximbank’s total assets surpassed $48.5 billion, with shareholder funds totaling $8.4 billion.
About Gebeya:
Gebeya is a pan-African AI technology firm focused on enhancing accessibility for the next billion users by creating localized digital infrastructure. With a commitment to developing AI-powered tools and language-first experiences, Gebeya aims to make technology engaging, relevant, and inclusive for individuals and organizations across Africa.
