Nine creators have been named winners across gaming, video and music at the CANEX Create-thon, powered by Gebeya, during CANEX WKND 2026. The competition asked African creators to build working projects using artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
Live pitch finale and programme#
The live pitch finale was held on 6 November at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Cultural and Creative Arts in Lagos. It brought together finalists, industry judges, and creative and technology leaders to examine Africa’s opportunities in the AI economy.
The competition was organised through the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in partnership with Gebeya and the Afreximbank Innovation Lab. Afreximbank is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade.
Participants used AI tools within Gebeya’s Dala Studio to produce digital games, videos and music. They received computing resources and technical guidance. The session also marked the official launch of the Afreximbank Innovation Lab.
The organisers said the event aimed to show how access to technology can help African creators turn ideas into AI-powered digital works. It also looked at the skills, infrastructure and commercial opportunities needed to build sustainable creative businesses.
Prizes, judges and key figures#
- Participants: around 6,000 creators from 43 countries
- Submissions: 792 games, music tracks and videos built on Dala Studio
- Finalists: the top three creators in each category advanced to the live pitch finale
- Total prize pool: US$50,000
- Category prizes: US$7,000 for first place, US$3,500 for second and US$1,500 for third
- Additional awards: for qualifying creators from the top 20 African countries
The live pitch judging panel comprised Oluwasemilore Oludipe, Programmes Manager at Co-creation HUB (CcHUB); Mayenzeke Baza, Chief Investment and Development Officer at CEEIT; and Miebaka Anga, Strategic Partner Manager at YouTube.
Speakers on ownership and access#
Temwa Gondwe, Director, Creatives and Diaspora at Afreximbank, said at the opening that Africa’s creative influence must translate into greater ownership and economic returns. He called for affordable computing power, accessible creative tools, effective distribution channels and stronger protection of creators’ intellectual property.
“The question is not whether Africa will participate. The question is how much value Africa will create and own and retain,” Gondwe said.
He also stressed connecting creators with investors, buyers and audiences, arguing that access to technology must be accompanied by opportunities to build sustainable businesses.
Amadou Daffe, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Gebeya, urged young Africans to move beyond experimenting with AI and use it to create products and services that generate income.
“Knowledge is in the pocket. The question is, what do you do with it?” Daffe said.
He said the practical challenge is helping creators recognise and pursue the commercial possibilities of the technology. Drawing on Gebeya’s experience, he pointed to local-language capabilities and local-currency payment options as ways to make digital tools more accessible to African users.
Panel discussion#
A panel discussion titled “Claiming Our Stake in the AI Revolution” ran alongside the live pitches. It covered the opportunities and challenges of the fast-changing field and what it means for African creators.
The panel was moderated by Omolabake Olagunju, Programme Manager at CcHUB Creative Economy. Panellists included:
- Amadou Daffe, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Gebeya
- Malik Afegbua, Founder of Slick City Media
- Uchechi Arinze, Creative Director and Founder of CHÉCHI
- Ibrahim Tsado Yisa, Africa Director at Udu Technologies
- Oo Nwoye, Founder of TechCircle
The discussion examined how AI is changing the creation and consumption of creative work, including questions of ownership and originality. Speakers also addressed intentional storytelling, cultural representation, algorithmic bias and the cost of accessing digital tools. They asked whose stories are being told and how African cultures are represented.
Innovation Lab launch and CANEX programme#
Emeka Onyia, Director, Digital Business and Innovation at Afreximbank, described the session as the inaugural activity of the Afreximbank Innovation Lab. He said AI is lowering some equipment and production barriers for creators, while stressing that skills and the effective use of tools remain essential. He also outlined the Lab’s aim of bringing people together to develop ideas and technologies that support African trade.
The Create-thon combined practical technology access, mentorship and industry exposure, with a format centred on working projects rather than proposals alone. Gebeya also acknowledged the support of IREX for the initiative.
For Afreximbank, the competition forms part of its wider work through CANEX to develop and commercialise Africa’s creative and cultural industries. The aim is to help creators reach markets, attract partners and retain more value from their work.
