FIDELITY BANK PARTNERS CANEX WKND 2026 TO BOOST NIGERIA’S CREATIVE ECONOMY

Fidelity Bank Plc has strengthened its commitment to Nigeria’s creative industry through its sponsorship of the 2026 edition of the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX WKND) as an Official Trade Partner.

The partnership underscores the bank’s determination to support creative entrepreneurs, promote business opportunities and position Nigeria’s creative economy for greater participation in international trade.

The four-day event, scheduled for November 5 to 8, 2026, will take place at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, National Theatre Complex, Lagos. It will bring together creative entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and policymakers under the theme, “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World.”

At the event, Fidelity Bank will showcase its Fidelity Creativerse initiative under the theme, “Where Creativity Meets Business Opportunity.” Participants will have the opportunity to interact with the bank’s representatives and explore banking, payment and business solutions designed to support the growth of creative enterprises.

Commenting on the partnership, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the bank recognises the strategic importance of the creative economy in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities and expanding Nigeria’s international trade prospects.

She noted that unlocking Africa’s creative potential requires an ecosystem that nurtures talent, strengthens business structures and connects entrepreneurs to financing, strategic partnerships and wider markets.

According to her, Fidelity Bank’s participation in CANEX WKND reflects its commitment to helping creative professionals transform their talents into sustainable businesses capable of competing in both local and international markets.

Onyeali-Ikpe is also expected to speak at a session titled, “Building the Capital Stack for Africa’s Creative Economy,” where she will examine the skills, infrastructure, market access, institutional support and financing required to develop bankable creative enterprises.

The bank will further host a workshop titled, “Fueling Visions, Creating Impact,” on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The session will feature professionals across banking, filmmaking, photography, fashion, content creation and music, with discussions focused on transforming creative talents into commercially viable businesses.

Fidelity Bank’s participation builds on its broader initiatives aimed at empowering creative entrepreneurs. Through its Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC), the bank has continued to connect Nigerian businesses and creative professionals with international buyers, investors and strategic partners.

Similarly, its Creativerse initiative and Fidelity SME Hub provide practical training in areas such as cinematography, mobile video editing, fashion styling, beauty, voice-over artistry and public speaking, equipping participants with relevant skills to build sustainable businesses.

CANEX WKND, an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), provides a platform for creative professionals to engage with investors, buyers, policymakers and other industry stakeholders. The 2026 edition will feature exhibitions, panel discussions, performances, deal rooms, masterclasses and business networking sessions.

Interested participants can register through https://wknd.canex.africa/.