CANEX WKND 2024: Uniting Global Africa’s Creative and Cultural Industries in Algiers

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, proudly announces the return of the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2024. This groundbreaking event is scheduled to take place from October 16-19, 2024, at SAFEX in Algiers, Algeria. https://wknd.canex.africa/

CANEX WKND 2024 seeks to build on the success of previous events, most recently CANEX at IATF2023 that was held in Cairo. Last year’s edition brought together delegates from across the continent representing a wide range of creative sectors. The event featured over 21 live performances, 115 industry-leading speakers and experts, 13 masterclass sessions, and an awe-inspiring fashion show. Attendees also enjoyed a high-energy music concert, exciting gastronomical showcases and a vibrant marketplace and exhibition center.

CANEX WKND will further develop conversations and provide even more business to business/government opportunities through a 4-day gathering that will be held under the theme: One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World.

Highlights of CANEX WKND 2024 include:

• CANEX Music Factory: Hundreds of songwriters and beatmakers will converge at the live recording studios within the heart of the CANEX Exhibition. This year’s event will include the launch of an album featuring songs recorded during last year’s Music Factory. 
• CANEX Music Concert: Will take the audience on a rhythmic journey across the continent, featuring some of Africa’s most dynamic and groundbreaking artists such as the unstoppable Scorpion Kings, Qing Madi and the soulful Sofia Nzau, just to name a few.
• CANEX Fashion Show: This year, we are bringing together 10 of the most innovative and bold designers from across Africa and the Diaspora, all set to unveil their exciting collections at the magnificent Algiers Botanical Gardens. 
• EXHIBITION: A dynamic business-to-business exhibition area designed for creative brands and organizations, offering exceptional opportunities to sell to international buyers.
• GASTRONOMY Showcase: This showcase will be turning up the heat with a special appearance by some of the most celebrated chefs from Africa and the Diaspora. Culinary maestros will bring their stories, expertise, and mouthwatering recipes to life weaving the rich tapestry of African culture into every dish they create. From the vibrant streets of Lagos to the soulful kitchens of the Caribbean and the soothing landscapes of Cape Town, each chef will showcase the diverse flavours that define African cuisine across the globe.
• ART EXHIBITION: A stunning visual art installation featuring the works of iconic artists along with emerging talents at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Algiers. 
• CANEX Book Factory Prize for Publishing in Africa: Celebrating literary excellence   from the continent
• CANEX Shorts Awards Ceremony: Recognizing outstanding achievements of young filmmakers in short-form content creation.

CANEX Summit & Masterclasses

The ever-inspiring CANEX Summit & Masterclasses promise more engaging conversations and transformative Masterclasses.

Topics covered at this edition of CANEX WKND will include:

Collective Disruption: Strengthening the Fashion and Textile Ecosystem

Collectives in the Orange Economy play a critical role in boosting creativity, protecting members, promoting collaboration, and supporting emerging creatives. This session will focus on uprooting the challenges faced by fashion businesses in Global Africa through collective action, culminating in the launch of the Pan-African Fashion Alliance. 

United in Culture: Prosperity through Shared Cultural Heritage

Acknowledging that the creative economy is at the interface of creativity, culture, economics and technology – as expressed in its ability to generate income, jobs and export earnings while at the same time promoting social inclusion and cultural diversity – much more should be done through cooperation among global south countries and cultural organizations to support the development, promotion and distribution of content, and performance opportunities for creatives and creative organisations across borders.

Globalised Strategies for Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights Protection

To capitalise on the global appetite for creative assets and art forms from emerging economies, there must be an intentional, explicit and harmonised IPR strategy that protects creatives and creative organisations in global markets. This session will explore sustainable strategies for strengthening intellectual property frameworks in emerging economies, and conclude with the launch of CANEX Creations Incorporated.

From Production to Distribution: Resourcing An Evolved African Film & TV Industry 

For African screen content to break borders in the same way K-Dramas have gripped consumers across the globe, experts will deconstruct the current Film & TV  ecosystem and provide strategic recommendations to effectively develop, equip, support and distribute African content.

CANEX Streams Africa – Digitalizing Africa’s Creative Economy

Digitalization has significantly impacted the African cultural and creative industries. This session will provide an understanding of the significance of leveraging digitalization, as well as explore the way in which cultural products and services are distributed and consumed in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Masterclasses

African Culture Fund Roundtable

This roundtable aims to create a framework for exchange between the ecosystem of donors from Africa and the diaspora, and all stakeholders in the creative sector, on the challenges and perspectives of financing culture in Africa. The roundtable will also explore innovative and creative mechanisms to revitalize the financing of culture on the continent. 

Masterclass – The MANSA Digital Initiative 

This masterclass will aim to help SMEs institutionalize their operations by adopting proper structures, maintaining accurate financial records, and leveraging the MANSA Digital Initiative to enhance business credibility and compliance

Gastronomy Masterclasses

Beyond the Scoreboard: Can Global Partnerships Provide Opportunities in the Sports Ecosystem?

A discussion with key industry stakeholders and sports persons on the potential of strategic partnerships for economic growth in the African sports industry.

Attendance and Registration

While attendance is free throughout the 4 days, pre-registration is essential. For more information or to register for CANEX WKND 2024, visit https://wknd.canex.africa/ and be part of shaping the future of Africa’s creative industries. Join us in Algiers as we celebrate the power of African creativity and its impact on the global stage.