Afreximbank Acquires Equity Stake in D’banj’s CREAM Platform

LAGOS — CANEX Creations Incorporated, an investment vehicle established by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has completed an equity investment in C.R.E.A.M. (Creative, Reality, Entertainment, Arts and Music), an artificial intelligence-powered direct-to-consumer talent platform founded by Afrobeats star Dapo Oyebanjo, widely known as D’banj.

The transaction was formalized on stage at the CANEX WKND 2026 summit held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos, following an initial term sheet signed in Abuja. While financial terms and the exact equity percentage were not publicly disclosed, the backing forms part of Afreximbank's broader $2 billion financing commitment toward Africa's creative and cultural industries.

Platform Scale & Operational Model

Owned by D’Kings Men Media Ltd, C.R.E.AM. functions as a grassroots digital engine for independent artists across Africa:

• User Adoption: Launched in 2016 in partnership with MTN Nigeria and the Bank of Industry, the platform has amassed over seven million subscribers accessing services via USSD (*463#), web, and mobile app channels.
• Monetization & Development: The platform has monetized more than 3,000 pieces of music, comedy, dance, and visual art, while issuing grants, free studio sessions, and showcase opportunities to over 16,000 creators.
• Global Distribution Partnerships: The investment follows a strategic partnership announced earlier in 2026 with Cinq Music Group and Octiive to provide international distribution, catalog acquisition pathways, and career acceleration for participating independent artists.

Strategic Context & DFI Infrastructure

The deal highlights a strategic shift among multilateral development finance institutions toward funding the commercial infrastructure supporting African intellectual property:

• Commercializing African IP: CANEX Creations was specifically created to invest in, develop, and commercialize African intellectual property, shifting beyond traditional debt-backed project finance toward direct equity stakes in digital media enablers.
• Institutional Backing: The formalization of the deal at CANEX WKND 2026 drew over 17,000 registered participants, underscoring growing institutional appetite for scalable creative technology solutions across the continent.

Executive Commentary

"As I have always said, content is the new crude. African creatives now have access to the financial infrastructure to compete globally, while owning and retaining our IP in Africa."
— Dapo Oyebanjo (D’banj), Founder & President of C.R.E.AM.

"CANEX Creations exists to turn Africa's creativity into lasting economic value. This investment will accelerate its growth."
— Osahon Akpata, Chief Executive Officer of CANEX Creations

Transaction Advisory

• Investor: CANEX Creations Incorporated (Subsidiary of African Export-Import Bank / Afreximbank).
• Target Company: C.R.E.AM. Platform (Owned by D’Kings Men Media Ltd).
• Founder: Dapo Oyebanjo (D’banj).

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