Governor Sanwo-Olu Secures Hosting Rights for CANEX 2026 and Intra-African Trade Fair 2027 in Lagos

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu signs deals to host CANEX 2026 and the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair, aiming to boost creative funding and continental trade.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 12, 2026, 6:26 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP

Lagos Emerges as Africa’s Premier Trade and Creative Hub

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has finalized a landmark agreement to position Lagos as the host city for two of the continent's most influential economic gatherings. By securing the hosting rights for the Creative African Nexus (CANEX) in 2026 and the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in 2027, the Lagos State Government aims to reinforce its status as the commercial capital of West Africa. The signing ceremony involved major continental stakeholders, including the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission (AUC), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, marking a unified effort to integrate regional economies.

CANEX 2026: Driving the $1 Billion Creative Economy

Scheduled to take place from November 5 to 8, 2026, the fifth edition of CANEX is a strategic programme developed by Afreximbank to revitalize Africa’s Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI). The initiative is backed by a $1 billion funding pool designed to address the specific needs of African creatives, including financial support, professional capacity-building, and enhanced market access. By hosting this nexus, Lagos will provide a platform for designers, artists, and media professionals to tap into continental wealth, leveraging the city's existing reputation as a global epicenter for music and film.

IATF 2027: Shifting from Market Access to Market Power

Following the creative summit, Lagos will host the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair from November 5 to 11. Themed "Global Africa, Smart Trade – From Market Access to Market Power," this massive exhibition is expected to draw approximately 100,000 visitors and 2,500 exhibitors from over 100 countries. The fair serves as a critical engine for the AfCFTA, facilitating Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) interactions that are essential for cross-border infrastructure development and regional trade policy alignment.