Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
The African creative economy just took a massive leap forward. Last week in Lusaka, Zambia, the Africa Creative Market (ACM) 2026 brought together thousands of delegates from across the continent for six transformative days that proved Africa’s creative industries are ready to compete on the global stage.
Running from June 29 to July 4, 2026, ACM 2026 partnered with the Creative Industries Business Summit Zambia (CIBSZ) and the Kwimbo National Arts Festival to create an unprecedented platform where innovation meets investment, and culture intersects with commerce. Creatives, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders from Zambia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, and beyond converged for intensive dialogue around one central mission: unlocking the full economic potential of Africa’s creative talent through strategic investment, stronger infrastructure, and cross-border collaboration.
From the opening moments, the message was crystal clear. Dr. Inya Lawal, founder of Africa Creative Market, set the tone by addressing why Zambia was chosen as host: “People often ask me why we chose Zambia. My answer has always been simple; because Zambia is ready,” she declared. That readiness manifested throughout the week as participants dove deep into specialized summits covering everything from creative capital and legal reform to technology, fashion, film, and music. Kangwa Chileshe, Permanent Secretary of Zambia’s Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, reinforced the urgency of the moment, stating: “Talent alone is not enough. We must build the structures that allow talent to thrive.” His words became the rallying cry that echoed through every session—Africa has the creative firepower, but sustainable systems, investment, and policy must catch up.
The Creative Capital Forum tackled financing head-on, with policymakers and financial institutions exploring practical pathways to fund creative ventures and transform them into globally competitive enterprises. Meanwhile, the Global Creative Legal Summit addressed intellectual property protection, cross-border licensing, AI challenges, and opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The summit also unveiled the African Creative Economy Lawyer (ACEL) initiative and Entertainment & Creative Law Hub (ECLH), strengthening the legal backbone supporting the continent’s creative surge. Technology and innovation dominated conversations at the Creative Technology Summit, where leaders explored how animation, AI, and immersive technologies are reshaping African storytelling. Digital creators gathered for sessions on building sustainable businesses beyond viral moments, focusing on intellectual property, strategic partnerships, and diversified revenue streams.
Music took center stage at the ACM Next Level Music Showcase, where ten emerging artists competed before industry professionals for career-changing opportunities. Philip Mweemba emerged victorious, earning cash prizes alongside international music distribution and publishing support—a tangible example of ACM’s commitment to elevating African talent. Beyond the conference rooms, the Kwimbo National Arts Festival transformed Lusaka into a vibrant cultural celebration, welcoming families and visitors through music, dance, fashion exhibitions, and performances showcasing Zambia’s rich heritage. Film, fashion, visual arts, and theatre all received dedicated platforms throughout the week. The Zambian premiere of the feature film 77 drew acclaimed actors, filmmakers, and cinema enthusiasts, demonstrating growing momentum in cross-border African film collaboration. The FashionEVO Summit and Fashion Show & Awards highlighted sustainable production, manufacturing innovation, and the commercial potential of contemporary African fashion. Excellence across industries was celebrated through the National Association of Media Arts (NAMA) Awards and Gala, and the Women in Film & TV Africa Gala & Awards, while “The Activated Creative” sessions addressed mental wellbeing and sustainable creative careers.
As the curtains closed in Lusaka, the impact was undeniable. ACM 2026 wasn’t just another conference—it was a continental movement where partnerships were forged, policies were shaped, and Africa’s creative future became more connected, competitive, and globally influential. With renewed momentum and stronger regional networks, the gathering proved that Africa’s creative economy is no longer defined solely by cultural richness, but increasingly by its capacity for innovation, investment, and economic transformation.
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