By Onwa Ekor
The Cross River Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) has launched an aggressive push to secure creative financing and global market access for MSMEs at the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND 2026) in Lagos.
The agency, part of the official Cross River delegation, is leveraging the continental platform to unlock non-traditional funding, forge strategic partnerships and position the state’s creative economy for competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The four-day event, holding from November 5 to 8, serves as a precursor to the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2027), which is targeting about $50 billion in trade and investment deals.
MEDA is using the state pavilion to pitch investment-ready projects and connect local innovators with global buyers and financiers.
Its participation is anchored on Cross River’s economic priorities — agribusiness and agro-processing, tourism, blue economy and solid minerals.
CR-MEDA Director-General, Great Ogban, said the mission was to transform the fortunes of local enterprises
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“Our mission in Lagos is clear: we are moving Cross River businesses from mere market access to true market power,” Ogban said.
“By pursuing creative financing solutions and establishing direct B2B linkages with global buyers and financiers, we are unlocking the full economic potential of our creative and entrepreneurial sectors,” he added.
