Federal Government Prepares Renewed Hope Enterprise Bridge Initiative for Lagos CANEX 2026
In furtherance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will present a select group of Nigerian entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives and pioneering enterprises at the 2026 Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Weekend in Lagos,
Chalya Shagaya stated. The Federal Government is rolling out the Renewed Hope Enterprise Bridge Initiative through a dedicated Presidential Suite pavilion to link homegrown businesses with international investors, buyers, and commercial partnerships at the upcoming November event. She described it as a deliberate effort to use the convening power and institutional platform of the Presidency to bridge the gap between Nigerian enterprise and global market opportunities.
The four-day gathering runs from November 5 to 8, 2026, at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Lagos. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, briefed State House correspondents at the presidential villa in Abuja to outline broader government targets for the creative economy. Oduwole explained that officials are prioritizing intellectual property commercialization, financing, and market access as part of a wider strategy to build a $1 trillion economy. According to her: For the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all states of the Federation, CANEX is much more than a celebration of African creativity.
Sectors and Products Featured in the Presidential Suite Pavilion
The Presidential Suite will house businesses chosen for their exceptional promise and contributions to Nigeria’s global reputation. Participating enterprises span visual arts, fashion, lifestyle, beauty, crafts, sports, animation, agriculture, and innovation sectors.
Specific goods selected for international exposure include locally grown coffee, Nigerian-made chocolate, contemporary fashion, indigenous pottery, leather goods, beauty products, botanical designs, and sporting innovations. Officials designed the pavilion to promote local value addition, preserve indigenous craftsmanship, and improve export potential for businesses that struggle with visibility and market networks.
Government Coordination Across Ministries and States
Organizing the event requires a whole-of-government approach involving multiple federal ministries and security agencies. Oduwole compared the operational scale to hosting the Olympics or the World Cup, noting that security, health, transportation, immigration, and hospitality agencies are coordinating preparations.
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, alongside foreign affairs, finance, customs, and monetary policy institutions. The Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the National Economic Council, and all 36 states will participate by operating state pavilions alongside private exhibitors.
Dates and Participants for the Lagos Event
What specific dates is the 2026 CANEX Weekend scheduled for in Lagos?
The event will run from November 5 to 8, 2026, at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre. It further stated, Through RHEBi, the Presidency is helping to build the bridge that connects that potential to opportunity.
Which government office is implementing the Presidential Suite pavilion?
The initiative is implemented through the Office of the President.
How many participants are expected to attend the event in Lagos?
Organizers expect approximately 10,000 participants from Nigeria, other African countries, and beyond.
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