Strengthening Africa’s Creative Economy Through CANEX
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Portugal’s National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE) have entered a three-year partnership to promote Africa’s fashion, apparel, and textile manufacturing industry in Portugal and across Europe. The collaboration falls under Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme, which focuses on boosting investment in Africa’s creative and cultural industries.
Through CANEX, Afreximbank supports initiatives in financing, capacity building, export and investment promotion, digital solutions, policy advocacy, and partnership development. This new partnership with ANJE strengthens efforts to connect Africa’s creative entrepreneurs with global markets and investors.
Showcasing African Designers on Global Platforms
As part of this collaboration, ANJE’s Portugal Fashion project will provide African designers with international showcasing opportunities, mentorship, and technical assistance in apparel production. The programme aims to promote at least 40 African designers annually on Portugal Fashion’s runways, offering valuable networking with retailers, manufacturers, and international industry experts.
The inaugural showcase will take place in Porto, Portugal, from October 13–16, 2021, marking a significant milestone in strengthening Africa–Europe creative collaboration.
Building Investment Bridges and Technical Capacity
Beyond promoting designers, the partnership aims to attract investment and develop technical skills across Africa’s fashion and textile industries. ANJE will also act as a one-stop advisory hub for European and Portuguese companies seeking to invest in Africa, in coordination with Afreximbank’s support mechanisms.
Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, highlighted the strategic value of the creative sector, stating:
“We believe that the vast creative talent pool on the continent is an opportunity to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation. Through CANEX, we are building an ecosystem to monetise the creative sector and strengthen its role under the AfCFTA.”
Manuel Mota, Vice President of ANJE, added:
“The creative industries in Africa have immense potential to become key drivers of economic growth. This initiative will have a positive and sustainable impact, and we are proud to collaborate with Afreximbank on this important milestone.”
The partnership underscores the shared vision of Afreximbank and ANJE to transform Africa’s creative industries into globally competitive, economically impactful sectors that drive inclusive growth and cross-continental collaboration.
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