Creative artists with disabilities set to showcase talents in visual arts, fashion, crafts and cultural performances at Africa’s premier creative gathering.
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in collaboration with the Discovering Ability in Disability Initiative (DADI), has arrived in Lagos for the 2026 edition of the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND), with a delegation of creative artists with disabilities ready to showcase their talents, creativity and entrepreneurial potential.
The participation, supported by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, is aimed at promoting disability inclusion, economic empowerment and greater visibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs) across Africa’s creative and cultural industries.
CANEX WKND is a major African platform that brings together creatives, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and industry stakeholders to celebrate and promote the continent’s rich cultural heritage and creative economy, including fashion, food, film, music, crafts and innovation.
NCPWD, DADI delegation explores Africa’s creative landscape
According to a press statement issued by the NCPWD/DADI Media and Publicity Sub-Committee on November 5, 2026, the delegation’s first day at the event featured arrival, accreditation and familiarisation with the exhibition environment.
Following their arrival in Lagos, members of the delegation completed their accreditation at the event venue before exploring the exhibition grounds, which featured a wide range of African creative expressions and business opportunities.
The team visited exhibitions showcasing Africa’s cultural heritage, indigenous cuisines, innovative food brands, fashion collections, locally made products and traditional crafts.
The experience provided the delegation with an opportunity to appreciate the diversity of African creativity, entrepreneurship and the commercial opportunities available within the continent’s expanding creative industry.
Networking for partnerships and market opportunities
Beyond exploring the exhibitions, the NCPWD/DADI delegation also used the opening day to establish connections with exhibitors, participants and other stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.
The networking engagements provided opportunities to exchange experiences, build relationships and explore potential partnerships that could create new markets and business opportunities for creative entrepreneurs with disabilities.
For the Commission and DADI, CANEX WKND represents more than an exhibition platform. It offers an opportunity to connect creative talents with investors, buyers, collaborators and other stakeholders capable of supporting the growth of disability-led businesses.
PWD artists set to showcase talents and enterprise
As the event progresses, creative artists participating under the Discovering Ability in Disability Initiative are expected to showcase their works and entrepreneurial innovations across several creative fields.
These include visual arts, paintings, crafts, fashion and textile designs, cultural performances, innovative products and other creative business ventures.
Their participation is expected to provide greater visibility for artists with disabilities, while challenging stereotypes about disability and demonstrating the enormous creative and economic contributions they can make when given equal opportunities.
Driving disability inclusion in Nigeria’s creative economy
The NCPWD reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are not excluded from Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries.
The Commission noted that its participation in CANEX WKND 2026 would help amplify the voices, talents and businesses of persons with disabilities while creating pathways for economic empowerment, collaboration and wider market access.
The initiative also reinforces the importance of moving beyond symbolic inclusion towards practical opportunities that enable persons with disabilities to develop their skills, showcase their talents, build sustainable businesses and compete in the creative economy.
As Africa continues to position its creative industry as a major driver of economic growth, the participation of artists with disabilities sends a powerful message: talent has no disability, creativity knows no barriers, and economic opportunities must be accessible to everyone.
The message is clear: Persons with disabilities are not just part of Africa’s creative story; they are helping to write its future.
