Africa Creative Market (ACM) has officially announced its 2026 edition, marking five years of impact across the continent. To celebrate this milestone, ACM will deliver a bold five-city global activation, with Zambia confirmed as the main host country.
Notably, the anniversary edition will be anchored by a six-day flagship event in Lusaka, Zambia. This central gathering will follow high-profile satellite activations in Cannes, Lagos, Johannesburg, and Kigali, reinforcing ACM’s growing global reach.
Zambia Confirmed as Main Host for ACM 2026
Following a strong Zambian delegation to ACM in Nigeria last year, the platform has now deepened its commitment to Zambia. ACM has formally partnered with the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, alongside key local stakeholders, to host the 2026 flagship edition.
As a result, the Lusaka event will integrate seamlessly with the Creative Industry Business Summit and the Kwimbo National Arts Festival. This collaboration will position Zambia as a leading creative and film destination on the continent. In addition, it is expected to attract global investors, creators, studios, platforms, policymakers, and cultural leaders.
Strengthening Zambia’s Creative and Film Economy
The Lusaka flagship will place strong emphasis on creative tourism and film destination positioning. Specifically, it will showcase Zambia’s landscapes, talent, culture, and production infrastructure to international producers and studios.
Consequently, the event will strengthen Zambia’s visibility within the global film and creative economy. It will also open new pathways for investment, co-production, and skills development across multiple creative sectors.
Official Statements From Key Stakeholders
“Zambia is proud to host Africa Creative Market 2026. This partnership reflects our commitment to building a vibrant creative economy that creates jobs, especially for our youth. It also attracts investment and positions Zambia as a destination for film, culture, and innovation. We look forward to welcoming the world to Lusaka.”
— Kangwa Chileshe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Zambia
“ACM turns five in 2026, and this moment is about scale, substance, and legacy. Hosting our main event in Zambia, after an incredible delegation experience in Nigeria, signals the future of African collaboration. From Cannes to Lusaka, Lagos to Johannesburg and Kigali, ACM 2026 is Africa showing up globally, together.”
— Inya Lawal, Founder, Africa Creative Market
A Five-City Vision for Africa’s Creative Industries
ACM 2026 will amplify Africa’s creative voice on the global stage. At the same time, it will deepen cross-border partnerships and improve market access for creatives and businesses.
The programme will spotlight key sectors such as Film, Games, Animation, AR/VR/XR, Fashion, Art, Music, Dance, and Digital Media. Furthermore, delegates can expect a high-impact mix of activities, including:
- Conference sessions and expert-led masterclasses
- Art, fashion, and digital exhibitions
- Finance and investment hubs
- Women in Film and TV Africa Conference and Awards
- B2B and B2G networking and deal rooms
- VIP lounges and curated receptions
- Product launches, cocktail gatherings, and bilateral meetings
- Hackathons, game centres, and innovation showcases
Meanwhile, delegates are expected from Africa, Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Altogether, ACM 2026 is designed to connect talent, unlock opportunities, and catalyse Africa’s creative future.
Expanding Market Access for Zambian Creatives
“Bringing ACM to Zambia is transformational. It opens our creative ecosystem to the world and creates real market access for Zambian creatives. More importantly, it positions the country as a serious player in film, digital media, and the wider creative industries.”
— Abel Silungwe, Zambian Partner, ACM
About Africa Creative Market (ACM)
Africa Creative Market is a pan-African creative economy platform that connects creators, investors, governments, and global partners. It does this through markets, conferences, showcases, and deal-making platforms.
In addition, ACM drives trade, skills development, investment, and policy alignment across Africa’s creative sectors. As a result, it has become one of the continent’s most influential creative economy convenings.
ACM 2026 promises to be the most ambitious edition yet: five cities, six days in Zambia, and one global African creative movement.
