Nine African creators have been recognised in gaming, video and music following the CANEX Create-thon finale held on 6 November in Lagos, highlighting growing interest in using artificial intelligence tools to develop creative products.
The competition took place under the African Export-Import Bank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme, in partnership with technology company Gebeya and the Afreximbank Innovation Lab. According to the organisers’ announcement carried by New African, participants used Gebeya’s Dala Studio to create games, videos and music before finalists presented their work to a panel in Lagos.
The nine winners
In gaming, Feven Birhanu took first place, followed by Micheal Nomyongo in second and Angulu Paul Otoroza in third. The video category was won by Racheal Ifeoma Ogugua, with Hassan Ahmed second and Temilorun Okediji third. In music, Ndaya Victoria Mulidiki placed first, David AMA second and Nadia Eman Ibrahim third.
The organisers said approximately 6,000 creators from 43 countries participated, submitting 792 projects. These figures describe competition participation and submissions; they should not be interpreted as independently measured employment or commercial outcomes.
Prize structure and opportunities
The competition announced a total prize pool of US$50,000. Under its published structure, first-place awards in each category were US$7,000, second-place awards US$3,500 and third-place awards US$1,500, with additional awards for qualifying creators from the top 20 African countries. The overall pool therefore extends beyond the nine principal category placements.
The finale was held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Cultural and Creative Arts during CANEX WKND 2026. It also coincided with the launch of the Afreximbank Innovation Lab, an initiative intended to support technology-led solutions relevant to African trade and enterprise.
Beyond the competition
The event brought attention to questions that extend beyond access to AI software. Creative businesses need computing resources, affordable tools, routes to market, intellectual-property protection and customers willing to pay for their work. At the event, Afreximbank’s Director of Creatives and Diaspora, Temwa Gondwe, emphasised the importance of creators retaining economic value from their output, according to the organisers’ statement.
For game developers, filmmakers and musicians, AI-assisted production may lower some technical barriers. But a completed digital project is not the same as a sustainable business. Distribution, audience development, rights management and monetisation remain essential.
The CANEX Create-thon offers a snapshot of emerging creative experimentation across the continent. The longer-term measure will be whether participants can build audiences, secure commercial partnerships and generate income from their work after the awards.
The results and award structure were also reported by Agence Ivoirienne de Presse.
Discover more from Towncrier Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
