A four-day creative technology build sprint
CANEX has opened its 2026 Create-thon with Gebeya and Afreximbank Innovation Lab. The official competition page describes a four-day build sprint in which participants use Gebeya's DALA Studio technology to turn ideas into working projects.
The three categories are gaming, video and music. CANEX says the programme is designed to connect creators with AI tools, technical support and continental exposure, with selected finalists able to showcase their work at CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos.
Who can apply
The official page says the competition is open to African creators, innovators and builders living on the continent or in the diaspora. Applicants must be at least 18. It lists game developers, musicians, producers, filmmakers, video creators, designers, digital artists, developers, creative technologists, AI builders and startups among the intended participants.
Projects must be original and developed during the official build sprint on DALA Studio. Participants select one category and submit a working project with a project brief before the competition deadline.
Prize pool and timing
CANEX lists a total prize pool of US$50,000 across the three categories, plus additional awards for qualifying finalists. An Afreximbank announcement distributed on July 29 says registration closes on August 19, 2026 and schedules the creation sprint for August 20 to 24.
Creators should read the current competition rules before registering, especially the intellectual-property, eligibility and submission terms. The official CANEX page links to the registration flow.
Why it matters
The Create-thon combines creative production with a requirement to build a working output. That makes it more concrete than an ideas-only call. For African creators who qualify, the immediate opportunity is access to production technology, support and a competitive route to CANEX exposure.