CANEX Create Thon 2026

The CANEX Create Thon 2026 is a Pan African creative technology competition designed to discover, support and showcase Africa’s next generation of creators, innovators and builders. Powered by Gebeya and brought to participants through CANEX in partnership with the Afreximbank Innovation Lab, the competition focuses on the intersection of creativity, artificial intelligence and technology across music, video and gaming.

Participants are invited to transform original creative ideas into working projects using Dala Studio, an AI powered creative technology platform. The programme is structured around an intensive four day build sprint, giving participants access to AI tools, computing resources and technical infrastructure while they develop their projects.

The competition is open to African creators, innovators and builders living on the continent and in the African diaspora. Game developers, musicians, producers, filmmakers, video creators, designers, digital artists, developers, creative technologists, AI builders, startups and multidisciplinary creators can participate. Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.

About the Opportunity

The CANEX Create Thon is designed to help African creators use emerging technology to develop new forms of creative expression and build practical projects. Rather than requiring participants to present only an idea, the competition challenges them to create an original working project during the official build sprint.

The competition uses Dala Studio as the required creation environment. Participants can use the platform’s AI capabilities, computing resources and technical infrastructure to develop their submissions. The official competition information states that submitted projects must be created and developed using Dala Studio.

The competition has three categories:

Gaming

Participants can create African inspired games, immersive experiences and innovative gameplay projects. Entries may draw on African stories, cultures, environments, characters and creative traditions while using AI tools to support development.

Video

Participants can develop African inspired storytelling experiences and video projects using AI powered content and visual media tools. The official platform describes the category around short trailer style creations and other video storytelling formats.

Music

Participants can create original African inspired music experiences using AI powered sound innovation tools. The official competition platform allows music creators to submit a finished track developed through Dala Studio.

Opportunity Benefits

• Share of the US$50,000 total prize pool

• Category prizes for first, second and third place

• Additional cash awards for leading creators from the top 20 countries

• Access to Dala Studio AI technology

• Computing resources and technical infrastructure

• Four day creative build sprint

• Mentorship from industry experts

• Guidance from Dala Studio experts and community ambassadors

• Exposure to African creative and technology industry leaders

• Continental recognition for selected projects

• Opportunity to showcase leading projects at the CANEX Festival in Lagos

• Opportunity to connect with creators, investors, media and industry professionals

• Practical experience using AI for creative production

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to African creators, innovators and builders

• Applicants may live on the African continent or in the African diaspora according to the Opportunity Desk listing

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration

• Participants may enter as individuals

• Game developers, musicians, producers, filmmakers, video creators, designers and digital artists are eligible

• Developers, creative technologists and AI builders are encouraged to participate

• Startups and multidisciplinary creative backgrounds are welcome

• Applicants must select one competition category

• Submissions must be original

• Projects must be developed during the official Create Thon build sprint

• Projects must be created using Dala Studio

• Participants may be asked to provide proof of identity, age or ownership of their submitted work

Required Application Information

• Registration for CANEX Create Thon 2026

• Selection of one category: Gaming, Video or Music

• Familiarisation with Dala Studio before the build sprint

• An original project created during the official build period

• A working project submitted through the competition platform

• A project brief accompanying the submission

• Compliance with the official competition rules

How to Apply

1. Review the CANEX Create Thon 2026 competition requirements and confirm your eligibility.
2. Register for the competition through the official CANEX Create Thon platform.
3. Select one category from Gaming, Video or Music.
4. Familiarise yourself with Dala Studio and experiment with the available creative tools before the build sprint.
5. Develop an original project during the official four day creation period.
6. Ensure that the project is created using Dala Studio and follows the competition rules.
7. Prepare a short project brief describing your submission.
8. Submit the completed project through the official competition platform before the applicable submission deadline.
9. Keep evidence of your identity, age and ownership of the project available in case it is requested.