Deadline: September 25, 2026
Applications for the CANEX Create-Thon 2026 are now open. The CANEX Create-Thon 2026, powered by Gebeya is a Pan-African creative technology competition designed to discover and showcase Africa’s next generation of innovators across Gaming, Video, and Music.
Brought to you by CANEX in partnership with Gebeya and Afreximbank Innovation Lab, participants will take part in an intensive 4 day build sprint, using DALA Studio’s AI technology to transform creative ideas into working projects. Beyond the competition, CANEX Create-thon connects creators with cutting edge AI technical tools, continental exposure and the opportunity to showcase the selected finalists at CANEX Weekend 2026 in Lagos.
Categories
Showcase your brand on one platform with industry leaders from around the world.
- Gaming: Create African-inspired games, immersive experiences, gameplay innovations- leveraging AI tools for building.
- Video: Develop African-inspired storytelling experiences and video production using AI-powered content or visual media elements.
- Music: Build African-inspired music experiences, leveraging AI-powered sound innovation tools and components.
Benefits
- Access to cash prizes: Compete for a share of the US$50,000 prize pool, awarded to the top creators in recognition of outstanding innovation, creativity, and technical excellence across the Gaming, Video, and Music categories. Additional prizes for top 20 submissions per country.
- Build with AI – DALA Studios: Turn bold ideas into working prototypes during an intensive 4 day Create-thon, leveraging Gebeya’s AI-powered, DALA Studios, compute resources, and technical infrastructure provided through the programme.
- Mentorship from Industry Experts: Receive hands-on guidance from Gebeya’s network of Dala Studio experts and community ambassadors who will support throughout the build sprint.
- Continental Recognition, exposure to industry leaders: Showcase your project to leading voices in Africa’s creative and technology ecosystem through CANEX and Afreximbank Innovation Lab, positioning your work for greater visibility across the continent.
Eligibility
- Open to African creators, innovators and builders living on the continent and in the diaspora who are passionate about using technology to shape the future of the creative economy.
- Participants may apply as individuals in one of three competition categories: Gaming, Video or Music. The competition welcomes game developers, musicians and producers, filmmakers, video creators, designers, digital artists, developers, creative technologists, AI builders, startups and multidisciplinary teams.
- Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of registration. All submissions must be originally developed during the official CANEX Create-thon build sprint on DALA Studio by Gebeya.
- Participants may be required to provide proof of identity, age, or ownership of their submitted project during the selection process.
Application
Participants are required to:
- Register for CANEX Create-thon 2026, powered by Gebeya
- Get familiar with the tools and build some test projects ahead of the Create-thon
Build sprint Opens officially:
- Select one competition category: Gaming, Video or Music.
- Build an original project during the official build sprint.
- Submit a working project before the submission deadline, accompanied by a project brief.
- Ensure all submitted work is original and complies with the competition rules.
For more information, visit CANEX Creative Pitch Competition.
