Lagos Set to Host CANEX 2026 and IATF 2027: A New Era for African Trade, Creativity, and Global Partnerships

Lagos is once again positioning itself at the center of Africa’s economic and cultural transformation as it prepares to host two of the continent’s most influential gatherings: Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) 2026 and the Intra-African Trade Fair 2027.

The announcement followed the signing of the hosting agreement for IATF 2027 at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, witnessed by Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The milestone signals a major step forward in Lagos’ strategy to strengthen Africa’s creative economy, deepen intra-African trade, and attract global investment to the continent.

Lagos as Africa’s Gateway for Trade and Creativity

Lagos has long been recognized as one of Africa’s most dynamic economic hubs. With its vibrant creative sector, thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, and strategic role in regional commerce, the city offers an ideal platform to host events of continental significance.

By securing hosting rights for Creative Africa Nexus 2026 and IATF 2027, Lagos is reaffirming its commitment to promoting African innovation, culture, and trade collaboration.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that these events represent more than ceremonial gatherings; they are practical platforms for economic transformation. They will bring together policymakers, investors, creatives, entrepreneurs, and businesses from across Africa and beyond to explore partnerships, unlock new markets, and strengthen the continent’s economic integration.

Expanding Opportunities for African Businesses

The Intra-African Trade Fair is one of the continent’s largest trade and investment events, designed to promote commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Hosting the 2027 edition in Lagos will provide African businesses with a powerful platform to:

• Showcase products and services to continental and international markets

• Build partnerships across industries and regions

• Access investment opportunities

• Expand cross-border trade within Africa

For Lagos, the fair presents a unique opportunity to reinforce its status as a leading gateway for African commerce while supporting businesses across the continent to collaborate more effectively.

Strengthening Africa’s Creative Economy

Alongside trade and investment, the hosting of CANEX 2026 highlights the growing importance of Africa’s creative and cultural industries. From film and music to fashion, digital media, and visual arts, Africa’s creative sector continues to shape global culture and generate economic value.

Lagos, widely recognized as a continental hub for entertainment and creative expression, offers the infrastructure, talent, and global visibility required to host a gathering of this magnitude. CANEX will provide creatives and industry leaders with a platform to exchange ideas, secure funding, and scale African stories to global audiences.

A Global Invitation to the African Diaspora

For the African diaspora, these events represent a significant opportunity to reconnect with the continent’s expanding markets and cultural industries. They will also strengthen engagement between Lagos and its global partners, opening doors for investment, knowledge exchange, and diaspora-driven development.

As Lagos prepares to welcome thousands of delegates, investors, creatives, and entrepreneurs from across Africa and the world, the city is reinforcing its reputation as a global city where innovation, culture, and commerce converge.

Looking Ahead

Hosting CANEX 2026 and IATF 2027 marks an important chapter in Lagos’ journey to deepen Africa’s economic integration and elevate the continent’s creative and business potential.

With strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, Lagos is ready to showcase what Africa can achieve when opportunities for collaboration and investment are fully unlocked.

As Governor Sanwo-Olu noted, Lagos looks forward to welcoming the continent to its vibrant city where ideas, trade, and creativity meet to shape Africa’s future.