Chalya Shagaya to Speak at CANEX as Policy Champion for Entrepreneurship Development

Chalya Shagaya, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Entrepreneurship Development (Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy), is set to headline the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) at the IATF2025 in Algiers, running from September 4 to 10.

Announcing her participation on social media, Shagaya said she is “super excited” about engaging with creative entrepreneurs across Africa and the diaspora. The CANEX platform brings together diverse sectors—fashion, music, film, art, food, and literature—creating an inclusive space for ideas, storytelling, and meaningful collaboration.

As the principal speaker, she will address how innovation and entrepreneurship can drive creative economies across the continent, leveraging her role in shaping policy for youth-led businesses and digital transformation.

Her appointment as SSA on Entrepreneurship Development aligns with the federal government’s broader strategy to boost youth participation and entrepreneurial growth in Nigeria.

CANEX at IATF2025 promises a vibrant exchange of ideas among Africa’s creative minds. With Shagaya’s leadership and advocacy, the event is poised to spotlight how policy frameworks can empower creative sectors to thrive sustainably.