Nine African digital creators have emerged as winners of a $50,000 artificial intelligence competition organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), highlighting growing opportunities for young Africans in technology, music, filmmaking and digital entertainment.
The winners were announced following the final of the CANEX Create-thon, held on 6 November 2026 at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Cultural and Creative Arts in Lagos, Nigeria.
The competition, organised through Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme in partnership with technology company Gebeya, attracted around 6,000 participants from 43 countries.
According to the organisers, participants submitted 792 digital projects, including video games, music and films, developed using artificial intelligence tools.
The initiative was designed to help African creators use emerging technologies to develop commercially viable products while promoting African stories, cultures and creative talent.
The competition recognised three winners each in gaming, video production and music.
In the gaming category, Feven Birhanu secured first place, followed by Micheal Nomyongo in second place and Angulu Paul Otoroza in third.
Racheal Ifeoma Ogugua emerged as the winner in video production, while Hassan Ahmed and Temilorun Okediji finished second and third respectively.
In music, Ndaya Victoria Mulidiki claimed first place, followed by David AMA and Nadia Eman Ibrahim.
Each first-place winner received an award of $7,000, while second-place winners were allocated $3,500 and third-place winners $1,500.
The overall competition offered a prize pool of $50,000, including additional awards for qualifying creators.
Participants developed their projects using Dala Studio, an artificial intelligence platform created by Gebeya to help users produce digital content and technology-based products.
The competition comes at a time when artificial intelligence is changing how creative content is produced across Africa.
In countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa, digital entrepreneurs and content creators are increasingly exploring AI tools for filmmaking, animation, music production, gaming and online businesses.
These technologies can help reduce some production costs, particularly for young creators who cannot afford expensive cameras, recording studios or specialised equipment.
However, limited internet access, high technology costs and a shortage of specialised training continue to create challenges for many African creators.
Speaking during the event, Afreximbank’s Director of Creatives and Diaspora, Temwa Gondwe, said African countries must ensure that their growing influence in the creative industry produces economic benefits.
He stressed the importance of protecting intellectual property, improving access to affordable technology and helping creators reach international markets.
The discussions also raised concerns about ownership of AI-generated content and how African cultures are represented by emerging technologies.
Although the organisers did not identify Sierra Leonean participants among the nine winners, the competition highlights opportunities for young people working in the country’s growing digital and entertainment sectors.
Sierra Leone has a developing community of musicians, filmmakers, photographers, graphic designers and digital content creators who could benefit from wider access to artificial intelligence tools.
For independent creators, such technology offers opportunities to produce animations, promotional videos, music and other digital products without relying entirely on expensive production facilities.
However, access to reliable electricity, affordable internet, professional training and investment remains important for expanding these opportunities.
Similar challenges affect creators in neighbouring Liberia and Guinea, where digital businesses are also exploring new ways to reach regional and international audiences.
The competition demonstrates how African financial institutions and technology companies are increasingly looking beyond traditional industries to support the creative economy.
The Lagos event also marked the official launch of the Afreximbank Innovation Lab, an initiative aimed at supporting technology development and new business ideas across Africa.
Afreximbank’s Director of Digital Business and Innovation, Emeka Onyia, said artificial intelligence was making it easier for creators to develop products that previously required expensive equipment and large production teams.
However, he emphasised that access to technology alone would not guarantee success without the necessary skills and business opportunities.
Gebeya’s Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Amadou Daffe, also encouraged young Africans to move beyond experimenting with artificial intelligence and focus on developing products capable of generating income.
The competition forms part of Afreximbank’s wider efforts to support Africa’s creative industries and help entrepreneurs turn cultural and digital products into sustainable businesses.
For young African creators, the initiative provides an example of how technology, creativity and investment can come together to create new economic opportunities.
But turning these opportunities into lasting businesses will depend on continued investment in digital skills, affordable technology and access to markets.
