CANEX @ IATF 2025: Algiers Set to Transform into Africa's Creative Hub
Building on 2024's Success: "One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World"
By Khedidja Ouheb
Following the remarkable success of CANEX WKND 2024, Algeria is currently hosting an even more spectacular edition as part of IATF 2025, running from September 4–10, 2025. Building on the momentum from the landmark 2024 festival that brought together nearly 4,000 attendees from 81 countries, CANEX 2025 is proving to be the definitive celebration of African creativity and commerce.
CANEX 2025: An Expanded Vision
The upcoming CANEX @ IATF 2025 will feature an expanded platform that builds on the successful formula of its predecessor. Expect even more comprehensive offerings including dedicated exhibitions and marketplaces for fashion, crafts, visual arts, literature, and culinary arts. The event will host enhanced roundtables, masterclasses, live performances, gastronomy showcases, music factory sessions, film shorts (CANEX Shorts), and the innovative Book Factory dedicated to literary industries.
Building on 2024's Phenomenal Success
The 2024 edition set unprecedented benchmarks that CANEX 2025 aims to surpass. The previous event featured 108 exhibitors, 11 masterclasses, live performances, panel discussions, and showcased the continent's creative tapestry across fashion, music, cinema, visual arts, sports, literary arts, and gastronomy. Most notably, it concluded with over USD 540 million in committed deals, proving the immense economic potential of Africa's creative industries.
What to Expect at CANEX 2025
CANEX 2025 will feature an even more spectacular cultural program, building on the success of 2024's fashion showcases at the Botanical Garden of Algiers and concerts featuring renowned acts such as Tinariwen (Algeria/Mali), The Scorpion Kings (South Africa), Sofiya Nzau (Kenya), and Ayra Starr (Nigeria).
The expanded CANEX Shorts film competition will provide an even larger platform for emerging filmmakers across Africa, continuing the tradition that awarded talents like Ghana's Francis Y. Brown, Kenya's Brian Obra, and Botswana's Thomas Mpoeleng in 2024.
New for 2025: Enhanced angel investor sessions building on the successful CANEX Presents the Angels format that secured $350,000 in commitments in 2024, with expanded funding opportunities for creative ventures across the continent.
Economic Opportunities and Investment Potential
With the 2024 edition concluding with over USD 540 million in committed deals, CANEX 2025 is positioned to achieve even greater economic impact. The proven success of partnerships like the €245 million facility with New World Television for sports broadcasting rights across 24 African countries demonstrates the immense potential for creative industries investment.
CANEX 2025 will feature expanded networking opportunities, connecting African creative talent with global investors, distributors, and cultural institutions, creating sustainable pathways for African creativity to reach worldwide audiences.
CANEX 2025 is Happening Now - Join Us!
CANEX 2025 is currently taking place as part of IATF 2025, running from September 4–10, 2025, in Algiers under the unifying theme "One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World." Don't miss this historic opportunity to be part of Africa's most significant gathering of creative minds, entrepreneurs, and cultural visionaries. Registration is still open for remaining sessions and events.
- Exhibitions and marketplaces for fashion, crafts, visual arts, literature, and culinary arts
- Roundtables, masterclasses, live performances, gastronomy showcases, music factory sessions, film shorts (CANEX Shorts), and a Book Factory
Why CANEX Matters for the Amazigh Nations
- Cultural Expression: It celebrates and elevates Africa's diverse creative traditions, providing a stage for Amazigh artists to share their rich heritage.
- Economic Empowerment: Creative industries stimulate job creation and entrepreneurship—benefiting Amazigh youth and artisans through new market access and investment.
- A Pan-African Vision: CANEX fosters solidarity, dialogue, and partnerships throughout Africa and the diaspora—resonating deeply with Amazigh values of unity and cultural pride.
