Esports Takes Centre Stage as Nigeria Unveils AfCFTA Esports & Gaming Pavilion for CANEX WKND 2026

 Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes that the inclusion of esports signals a shift in how Africa defines culture 

The Esports Federation of Nigeria (EFN) has officially invited stakeholders, creators and gamers to the *AfCFTA Esports & Gaming Pavilion* at the *Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2026*, scheduled to hold between November *5 and 8* at the *Wole Soyinka Centre for Cultural & Creative Arts, National Theatre Complex, Iganmu, Lagos*.

It is a landmark moment. For the first time, competitive gaming will have a dedicated pavilion inside Africa’s largest gathering of creative and cultural industries.

CANEX WKND 2026 is hosted by the *African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)*, in partnership with the *Federal Government of Nigeria, the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat*. The four-day event will bring together creatives, investors, policymakers, financiers and buyers from across Africa, the Caribbean and the diaspora to connect talent with finance, markets and commercial opportunities. 

Held under the theme *“One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World: From FESTAC ’77 to CANEX’27,”* the programme is designed to support the development, commercialisation and expansion of Africa’s creative industries. 5a34

While the wider programme will feature the CANEX Finance Summit and Deal Room, CANEX Shorts Film Competition, Jollof Wars, Music Factory, Fashion Show, Mega Concert and the much-anticipated Legends Football Match at Onikan Stadium, the inclusion of esports signals a shift in how Africa defines culture.

That shift is being driven by the EFN. Officially recognised as the national governing body for competitive gaming in Nigeria, the Federation was inaugurated in March 2025 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium after a six-year effort to unify stakeholders. Led by Yahaya Maikori — President of the Federation since 2025 — the body has moved quickly to position Nigeria as Africa’s esports capital. 

Its mandate is clear: talent identification, national championships, international representation for Team Nigeria, integration into schools and universities, and building career pathways for players, coaches and support staff.

 Globally, gaming is now bigger than film and music combined, worth over $180 billion, with more than 3.3 billion gamers. Nigeria alone accounts for an estimated 46 million enthusiasts and is projected to become one of the largest gaming populations in the world by 2027.

Maikori has repeatedly framed this as more than play: “Gaming is the future of work,” he has argued, noting its potential for jobs, youth empowerment, tourism and technology.

For CANEX WKND, the AfCFTA Pavilion will serve as that proof of concept — a space where African game developers can showcase titles, pro-players can compete, investors can meet studios, and young creatives can see gaming as a viable trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

With Lagos already confirmed as host city, preparations are in top gear for what organisers describe as a precursor to both the 50th anniversary of FESTAC ’77 and the Intra-African Trade Fair 2027.

From November 5, the joysticks will be as important as the microphones and the cameras. Africa will not just be watching the game — it will be playing to win.