The Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) has stepped up efforts to connect businesses in the state to international markets, investment opportunities and innovative financing options through its participation in the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2026 in Lagos.
The agency is part of the official Cross River State delegation attending the four-day event, which began on November 5 and ends on November 8, 2026.
The engagement is focused on attracting strategic partnerships, exploring alternative funding opportunities and positioning the state’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and creative businesses to compete in the African and global markets.
MEDA is also using the Cross River State pavilion to showcase investment-ready projects and engage potential investors, financiers and international buyers interested in the state’s economic opportunities.
The participation aligns with Cross River’s priority economic sectors, particularly agribusiness and agro-processing, tourism, blue economy and solid minerals, which the state is promoting as key areas for investment and enterprise development.
CANEX WKND 2026 is serving as a precursor to the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2027), providing an opportunity for participating businesses and governments to establish commercial relationships ahead of the continental trade event.
With the IATF ecosystem targeting approximately $50 billion in trade and investment deals, MEDA is seeking to position Cross River enterprises to benefit from emerging business opportunities and expanded access to continental markets.
Speaking on the engagement, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of MEDA, Great Ogban, said the agency was determined to move local businesses beyond basic market access to a stronger position in the continental economy.
“Our mission in Lagos is clear: we are moving Cross River businesses from mere market access to true market power,” Ogban said.
He explained that MEDA was pursuing creative financing solutions and direct business-to-business linkages with global buyers and financiers to unlock the potential of the state’s creative and entrepreneurial sectors.
Ogban said establishing such relationships would provide local businesses with access to investment, funding and markets required to expand their operations and improve their competitiveness.
The engagement also provides an opportunity for Cross River to strengthen its visibility within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework and prepare local enterprises to take advantage of the expanding intra-African trade opportunities.
By Kingsley Agim
