Malawian fashion design enterprenuer Xandria Kawanga came third at the 2026 Canex Wknd Festival held in Lagos, Nigeria in the Creative Pitch Competition.
The founder of Xandria House of Fashion and fondly known as Xandria, made the Top 20 shortlist and went on to Top Three.
She received US$5000 in prize money for her feat. At the time of publishing, Top Two winners were not yet announced.
Xandria was oozing with confidence to excel after she was shortlisted in the Top 20.
A post on her Facebook Page read: “XANDRIA TO THE WORLD!!! After being selected from hundreds of applicants across Africa as one of the TOP 20 FINALISTS for the CANEX Creative Pitch Competition 2026 in Nigeria, we are all set to take the stage tomorrow!!!
“”We will be pitching our innovative business idea in front of international investors, industry leaders and potential partners, showcasing the power of Malawian innovation on a global stage!”
Xandria expressed gratitude to Copyright Fund saying, “A special thank you to the Copyright Fund for funding this trip and making it possible for us to take up this incredible opportunity. We are truly grateful!”
Renowned creative artistic writer Denis Imaan, who is part of the Malawi delegation, was excited with the award.
“WE DID IT!!!. What an incredible moment!!! Out of 20 finalists at the CANEX Creative Pitch Competition in Lagos Nigeria, only THREE winners were selected, and we are beyond proud to have been selected 3RD PLACE!!! Xandria to the Global stage indeed!!! All Glory to God.”
A fan Brave Chirwa also said she has done Malawi proud, saying: “Honestly, Malawi is showing the world what we are made of this year.”
