Afreximbank and Gebeya Introduce $50,000 CANEX Create-thon for African Creators
Afreximbank, through its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) initiative, has teamed up with pan-African technology firm Gebeya to unveil the CANEX Create-thon 2026. This competition aims to empower African creatives with the financial and technical resources necessary to bring their innovative projects to life.
The contest features a total prize pool of $50,000 and is designed to assist creators in transforming original concepts into tangible creative outputs, including music, videos, and games. The initiative underscores Afreximbank’s commitment to fostering creativity on the continent.
Participants in the Create-thon will gain access to Gebeya’s Dala Studio platform, which offers computing resources and hands-on technical assistance during a four-day production sprint scheduled from August 20 to August 24. This comprehensive support structure aims to facilitate the development of high-quality creative products.
Importantly, the competition encourages participation from individuals or teams, regardless of their previous support from production companies or established audiences. This inclusive approach allows amateur and emerging creators from across Africa to showcase their talent without financial barriers.
Distinct from traditional pitch contests, the Create-thon requires participants to develop and submit working prototypes or fully realized creative projects. The initiative seeks to demonstrate the potential of African creators when equipped with the right digital tools, funding, mentorship, and exposure to wider markets.
To further aid participants, a support network of 30 to 40 ambassadors from Gebeya’s community will be available throughout the contest. These ambassadors will assist participants in navigating the Dala Studio platform, troubleshooting technical issues, and maximizing resources.
Temwa Gondwe, Afreximbank’s Director of Creative and Diaspora, emphasized the competition’s role in addressing the long-standing obstacles that African creators face in accessing finance and digital infrastructure. Gondwe noted that the CANEX Create-thon is a vital step toward enabling creators to retain more value from their work and to build a sustainable foundation in both regional and global markets.
Amadou Daffe, CEO and co-founder of Gebeya, pointed out the burgeoning commercial potential of African creativity, citing a significant growth in recorded music revenues in sub-Saharan Africa. However, he acknowledged that many creators still lack the essential technology and production infrastructure required to fully realize their visions. The Dala Studio platform, a cornerstone of the Create-thon, provides practical digital tools to empower creators in crafting original projects.
Winners will be recognized in three categories, with first-place takers receiving $7,000, second-place winners $3,500, and third-place winners $1,500. Additionally, all finalists who meet eligibility criteria will earn a $500 cash prize. Projects will undergo a technology-assisted review before public voting determines the top 100 submissions.
The final winners will be selected by an expert panel from the creative, technology, and business sectors. Those who excel will earn a chance to participate in CANEX WKND 2026, taking place from November 5 to November 8 at the National Theater in Lagos. Winners will also benefit from exposure through Afreximbank’s CANEX network, engaging with investors, businesses, policymakers, and industry leaders.
Registration for the Create-thon opens on July 30 and closes on August 19. Interested participants can find contest guidelines, including information on eligibility, intellectual property rights, and submission requirements, on the CANEX Create-thon registration portal.
