Afreximbank – Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) | AFRICA SOFT POWER AWARD
Africa’s creative sector is estimated to have a potential of generating approximately $200 billion by 2030. One institution leading the charge towards this Afreximbank.
Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) strengthens Africa’s global influence by advancing the continent’s creative and cultural industries as engines of soft power. Through targeted financing, infrastructure support, and capacity building, CANEX enables filmmakers, musicians, designers, publishers, fashion entrepreneurs, and digital creators to scale and access global markets. The initiative has expanded creative-industry financing to approximately US$1 billion, facilitated an estimated US$540 million in deals in 2024, and launched a US$1 billion Africa Film Fund. Through platforms such as CANEX Summit and CANEX Weekend, CANEX promotes cultural diplomacy, youth empowerment, and a positive global narrative of Africa’s creativity and innovation.
SELECTION CRITERIA FOR APCA NOMINEES
Nominees for the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards (APCA) must exemplify excellence, integrity, and measurable impact in advancing Africa’s prosperity. They should demonstrate innovation, leadership, and a commitment to sustainable growth that transcends national boundaries and contributes to regional integration, job creation, and empowerment. Their achievements must reflect the spirit of Africa’s Single Market agenda. They must also be an example of Africa’s collective progress, serving as an inspiration to others through verifiable results, ethical conduct, and a lasting contribution to the continent’s development and global image.
AWARD PRESENTATION CRITERIA
Aside from circumstances deemed exceptional, one of the strict rules of the APCAs requires Award winners to accept the award in person. Absent awardees are neither announced nor handed an award. In the case of Presidential awards, however, the award may be accepted on behalf of the Head of State by their vice or deputy President or Head of State or Government.