Lagos is preparing to welcome African food entrepreneurs, chefs and business leaders as the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) returns to Nigeria from November 5 to 8, 2026.
The four-day event, organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), will bring together participants from across Africa, the Caribbean and the diaspora to explore business opportunities and showcase the continent’s cultural industries.
One of the major attractions will be African gastronomy, with food exhibitions, culinary showcases and the Jollof Wars, a friendly competition celebrating the popular West African dish.
Beyond the food experience, organisers want to strengthen the commercial value of African cuisine by helping local producers reach new markets and retain more economic value from the products they create.
Turning African Food into Business
Despite the continent’s rich agricultural resources and diverse culinary traditions, many African countries continue to import processed food products that could be produced locally.
A major challenge is that raw materials are often exported for processing abroad, allowing other markets to capture a larger share of the final product’s value.
For example, cashew nuts processed, packaged and branded for international consumers can command significantly higher prices than the raw nuts exported from producing countries.
CANEX aims to address these challenges by connecting food entrepreneurs with buyers, investors and industry experts while supporting product development, market access and business growth.
The initiative has also supported African food businesses in gaining exposure at international trade exhibitions, helping them build relationships with potential customers beyond their domestic markets.
Creating Opportunities for Food Entrepreneurs
The gastronomy programme will feature food exhibitions, live cooking experiences, industry discussions and masterclasses designed to strengthen African and Caribbean food businesses.
The event will also provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and connect with potential commercial partners.
Another priority is improving food standards, packaging and safety requirements to make it easier for African products to enter markets across the continent.
Afreximbank is also working with industry stakeholders to improve access to financing and encourage stronger collaboration among food producers.
These efforts are intended to help African businesses compete more effectively while supporting employment and trade within the continent.
A Wider Creative Economy
CANEX WKND will extend beyond food to include fashion, music, film, literature, visual arts, crafts and sports.
The event will feature exhibitions, performances, workshops and business discussions aimed at connecting creative professionals with investors, buyers and international markets.
The 2024 edition in Algiers, Algeria, attracted more than 4,000 participants from 81 countries and facilitated deals valued at over $540 million, according to information published by the Nigerian government.
The 2026 gathering will take place at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos, providing a platform for African businesses to showcase their products, develop partnerships and explore opportunities for expansion.
For African food entrepreneurs, the central opportunity is to move beyond selling raw ingredients and build competitive brands capable of reaching consumers across Africa and international markets.
Source: African Business; CANEX WKND official website; Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
