CANEX Creations Incorporated (CCInc), the intellectual property commercialization arm of the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), has named Osahon Akpata as its new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment was confirmed by the company’s Board of Directors during meetings held alongside the fourth Intra-African Trade Fair in Algiers earlier this month.
Akpata steps into the CEO role after serving as Head of CANEX Creations within the Afreximbank Group, where he has been instrumental in establishing the company’s operational framework and investment strategy since its launch. His promotion marks a significant milestone for CCInc as it seeks to scale its impact across Africa’s rapidly growing creative and innovation sectors.
Industry Veteran Brings Cross-Sector Expertise
The new CEO brings extensive experience spanning financial services, strategy consulting, and creative industries. Before joining the Afreximbank ecosystem, Akpata held senior leadership positions at Ecobank Group, where he oversaw SME banking, retail payments, and strategic partnerships while building multiple new business divisions.
His earlier career included strategy consulting at McKinsey & Company, where he advised major African banks and multinational corporations, and operational roles at Johnson & Johnson in the United States, where he earned recognition for excellence in the pharmaceutical sector.
Beyond traditional corporate experience, Akpata has maintained deep involvement in Africa’s media and entertainment landscape, serving as an advisor on high-profile projects across film, television, publishing, and visual arts. His creative credentials include being a published author since age 11, with work featured in international publications including Essence, Forbes, and Vogue Italia.
Strategic Vision for Creative Economy Growth
“The Board was pleased to confirm Mr. Akpata as CEO, particularly given his instrumental role in building CCInc from inception and his proven ability to bridge investment expertise with deep knowledge of Africa’s creative and innovation economy,” said Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Chairperson of the CCInc Board.
Commenting on his appointment, Akpata emphasized the company’s unique position in Africa’s evolving economic landscape. “I am honored to take on this role at such a critical juncture for Africa’s creative economy. CCInc is uniquely positioned to unlock the full value of African intellectual property by driving commercialization, building global partnerships, and delivering returns that benefit creators and economies alike.”
Educational Foundation for Leadership
Akpata holds advanced degrees from leading international institutions, including an MBA in Media Management from Columbia University, a BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance from Nottingham Trent University, and a diploma in Strategic Partnerships from IMD Business School in Switzerland.
About CANEX Creations Inc.
CCInc operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of FEDA, focusing on commercializing Africa’s intellectual property assets across diverse sectors including film, television, music, fashion, sports, technology, and life sciences. The company provides investment and support to help African creators and innovators access global markets and maximize value from their intellectual property.
The appointment comes as Africa’s creative economy continues to gain international recognition, with increasing global demand for African content and innovation driving new investment opportunities across the continent.
