The Federal Government is seeking to boost the export potential of Nigerian-made products by connecting local entrepreneurs with international investors, buyers and distributors at the 2026 Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Weekend in Lagos.
The initiative, known as the Renewed Hope Enterprise Bridge Initiative, will feature selected Nigerian businesses at a special Presidential Suite pavilion organised by the Office of the President.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Entrepreneurship Development, Chalya Shagaya, said the platform was designed to address challenges confronting local businesses, particularly limited visibility, access to international markets and commercial partnerships.
In a statement on Tuesday, Shagaya described the initiative as an effort to use the influence of the Presidency to expand opportunities for homegrown enterprises.
She said it was “a deliberate effort to use the convening power and institutional platform of the Presidency to bridge the gap between Nigerian enterprise and global market opportunities”.
The pavilion will showcase products and innovations across several sectors, including fashion, agriculture, visual arts, beauty, crafts, sports, animation and lifestyle.
Exhibits will include locally grown coffee, Nigerian-made chocolate, indigenous pottery, leather products, contemporary fashion, botanical designs and sporting innovations.
According to Shagaya, participating businesses were selected based on their innovation, creativity, commercial potential and contributions to Nigeria's international reputation.
She said the government hoped to promote local production, preserve indigenous craftsmanship, create jobs and improve the export competitiveness of Nigerian products.
The Presidency noted that several Nigerian businesses had products capable of competing internationally but lacked the visibility, networks and market access needed to expand beyond the domestic market.
“The Presidential Suite at CANEX 2026 represents a practical expression of the Presidency’s commitment to enterprise development,” the statement said.
It added that the platform would bring government officials, private sector partners and entrepreneurs together to create commercial opportunities for local businesses.
The 2026 CANEX Weekend is scheduled to hold from November 5 to 8 at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Lagos
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