African creatives and business to unite in Durban
HUNDREDS of African creatives will gather at the Durban International Convention Centre and Durban Exhibition Centre in KwaZulu-Natal for the Creative Africa Nexus (Canex) at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2021).
Organised by the African ExportImport Bank, in collaboration with the AU and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the second IATF2021 will take place from November 15 to 21.
African creatives will exhibit their work, showcase their talents, and mingle with policymakers, prominent investors and financiers.
The AfCFTA will bring together continental and global buyers and sellers to share trade, investment, and market information. They will also trade finance and trade facilitation solutions designed to support intraAfrican trade and the economic integration of the continent.
“In addition to establishing business-to-business and business-to-government exchange platforms for business deals and advisory services,
IATF2021 also operates IATF2021 Virtual, an interactive online platform that replicates the physical event,” says the IATF2021.
IATF2021 will focus on Africa’s creative economy and the automotive industry with dedicated programmes.
A conference will run alongside the exhibition and will feature highprofile
speakers and panellists addressing topical issues relating to trade, trade finance, payments, trade facilitation, trade-enabling infrastructure, trade standards, industrialisation, regional value chains and investment.
The Canex programme will feature some of Africa’s biggest acts who will be part of policy discussions, informal
conversations, showcases and live performances.
Artists who are part of the programme are Oskido (South Africa), Mr Eazi (Nigeria), Seun Kuti (Nigeria), David Kau (SA), IK Osakioduwa (Nigeria) and Zozibini Tunzi (SA). There is also Folake Olowofoyeku (Nigeria/ USA), Arit Okpo (Nigeria),
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Gordon “The Commissioner” Williams (USA), Vincent Berry II (USA), Sauti Sol (Kenya), Salatiel (Cameroon), Dajla (Tunisia), Tshego Koke (SA), Bikiya Graham-Douglas (Nigeria), Siti & The Band (Zanzibar).
Canex will also stage a fashion show produced by African Fashion International and Durban Fashion Week. There will be live performances from African acts culminating in the finale concert on November 20, featuring Mr Eazi, Sauti Sol, Dajla & Gordon Williams, Salatiel and Oskido.