AFRICAN CREATORS WIN BIG IN AI-POWERED CREATIVE CONTEST

Nine African creators have emerged as winners in gaming, video and music at the CANEX Create-thon 2026 in Lagos. Powered by Gebeya, the competition attracted nearly 6,000 participants from 43 countries, showcasing how artificial intelligence can transform African creativity into commercially viable digital products.

Artificial intelligence is opening new possibilities for Africa’s creative economy, with nine creators recognised for their innovative work in gaming, video and music at the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Create-thon 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria. The competition, powered by technology company Gebeya, highlighted the growing potential of AI to transform creative ideas into market-ready digital products while strengthening Africa’s position in the global digital economy.

The winners were announced following a live pitch finale held on 6 November at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Cultural and Creative Arts in Lagos, as part of the African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2026. The event also marked the official launch of the Afreximbank Innovation Lab, underlining the institution’s commitment to technology-driven innovation and the development of Africa’s creative industries.

The competition attracted approximately 6,000 creators from 43 countries, who collectively submitted 792 games, music tracks and videos developed using Dala Studio, Gebeya’s AI-powered creative platform. The top three participants in each category were selected to present their projects before an industry judging panel.

In gaming, Feven Birhanu secured first place, followed by Micheal Nomyongo and Angulu Paul Otoroza. Racheal Ifeoma Ogugua emerged as the video category winner, with Hassan Ahmed and Temilorun Okediji taking second and third places respectively. In music, Ndaya Victoria Mulidiki won first place, while David AMA and Nadia Eman Ibrahim completed the winning list.

The competition offered a total prize pool of US$50,000, with first-, second- and third-place awards of US$7,000, US$3,500 and US$1,500 respectively in each category. Additional awards were also available for qualifying creators from the top 20 African countries.

Speaking at the event, Temwa Gondwe, Afreximbank’s Director of Creatives and Diaspora, emphasised that Africa must move beyond participating in the global AI revolution to securing greater ownership of the economic value it generates.

“The question is not whether Africa will participate. The question is how much value Africa will create and own and retain,” he said, stressing the importance of affordable computing resources, accessible creative tools, distribution networks and intellectual property protection.

Amadou Daffe, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Gebeya, encouraged young Africans to use AI beyond experimentation and develop products and services capable of generating sustainable income. He also highlighted the importance of local-language capabilities and local-currency payment systems in making technology more accessible.

A panel discussion titled ‘Claiming Our Stake in the AI Revolution’ examined the opportunities and challenges facing African creators. Discussions covered originality, ownership, cultural representation, algorithmic bias, intentional storytelling and the cost of accessing digital technologies.

Emeka Onyia, Afreximbank’s Director of Digital Business and Innovation, said AI was reducing traditional equipment and production barriers, although skills and effective technology adoption remained essential.

By combining practical project development, mentorship, computing resources and industry exposure, the CANEX Create-thon seeks to build a stronger commercial foundation for Africa’s creative talent. The initiative reflects a wider ambition to connect creators with investors, buyers and international audiences.

As AI reshapes the global creative landscape, the competition sends an important message: Africa’s cultural richness and creative talent must translate into economic ownership, stronger intellectual property rights and sustainable business opportunities.