… Bank to showcase ‘Fidelity Creativerse,’ MD/CEO Onyeali-Ikpe to speak on building capital stack for African creatives
By Rashidat O. Okunlade | Lagos
Fidelity Bank Plc has announced its sponsorship of the 2026 edition of the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX WKND) as an Official Trade Partner, reinforcing its position as a leading supporter of Nigeria’s creative economy.
The four-day event will hold from November 5 to 8, 2026, 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 CANEX WKND, the Bank will showcase the Fidelity Creativerse under the theme, “Where Creativity Meets Business Opportunity.” Visitors will be able to engage with representatives of the Bank and explore relevant banking, payment, and business solutions.
Creative entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry stakeholders are invited to visit the Fidelity Bank stand at the event to explore opportunities, establish valuable connections, and access solutions that support business growth.
‘Unlocking the Potential of Africa’s Creative Economy’
Commenting on the partnership, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the bank is committed to supporting the creative economy due to its strategic importance in driving the nation’s economic objectives and deepening international trade.
“Africa’s creative economy represents an important opportunity for enterprise, job creation, innovation and trade. Unlocking this potential requires a strong ecosystem that develops talent, supports viable business structures and connects entrepreneurs to finance, partnerships and markets,” she said.
“At Fidelity Bank, we understand the role financial institutions must play in building this ecosystem. Our participation at CANEX WKND reflects our commitment to helping creative entrepreneurs transform their talents into sustainable businesses that can compete successfully in local and international markets.”
Building the Capital Stack
The bank’s CEO will also speak during a session titled, “Building the Capital Stack for Africa’s Creative Economy.” Her presentation will examine the skills, infrastructure, market access, institutional support, and financing required to build bankable creative enterprises.
The Bank will also host a workshop titled, “Fueling Visions, Creating Impact,” on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The session will bring together professionals from banking, filmmaking, photography, fashion, content creation, and music to discuss how creative talent can be developed into commercially viable businesses.
A Legacy of Creative Support
Fidelity Bank’s CANEX WKND partnership builds on its ongoing efforts to help creative entrepreneurs grow, thrive, and prosper. Through the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC), its global trade platform, the Bank has connected Nigerian businesses and creative entrepreneurs with international buyers, investors, and strategic partners.
Through Creativerse and the Fidelity SME Hub, the Bank also supports hands-on training in cinematography, mobile video editing, fashion styling, beauty, voice-over work, public speaking, and other creative disciplines. These programmes help creatives develop commercially relevant skills and build sustainable businesses.
CANEX WKND is an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and provides a platform for creative professionals to connect with investors, buyers, policymakers, and industry leaders. The 2026 edition will feature exhibitions, panel discussions, performances, deal rooms, masterclasses, and business networking sessions.
Interested participants can register to attend CANEX at https://wknd.canex.africa/.
Why It Matters
For decades, Africa’s creative industry spanning music, film, fashion, and visual arts has been globally celebrated for its cultural impact but chronically undervalued as an economic asset. Nigerian artists, filmmakers, and designers dominate global charts and streaming platforms, yet many struggle to access the formal financing required to scale their enterprises.
Fidelity Bank’s partnership with CANEX WKND signals a significant shift in how financial institutions view the creative sector. By positioning itself as an “Official Trade Partner” rather than just a sponsor, the Bank is acknowledging that the creative economy is not a charity case, but a viable, bankable industry.
The focus on “Building the Capital Stack” is particularly timely. The traditional banking model, which relies heavily on physical collateral, often excludes creative entrepreneurs whose primary assets are intangible—intellectual property, brand value, and future royalties. If Fidelity Bank can pioneer tailored financial products that accommodate the unique cash flow cycles of creatives, it could unlock a multi-billion-dollar sector.
Furthermore, the emphasis on trade and international market access through the FNITCC platform is crucial. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) now in effect, the export of creative goods and services from Nollywood films to Nigerian fashion represents a massive opportunity for foreign exchange earnings. Fidelity Bank is positioning itself not just as a lender, but as a strategic bridge between African creatives and global markets.
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