Africa Creative Market 2025 returned with a powerful showcase of Africa’s creative excellence, global collaborations, and industry-shaping innovations. Held from September 16–19, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The fourth edition brought together creators, investors, policymakers, and cultural leaders from across Africa and the world. Over four transformative days, the event demonstrated the continent’s creative economy’s potential. Positioning ACM as a key platform for collaboration, learning, and global exchange.
A Holistic Approach to Africa’s Creative Economy
ACM 2025 spanned multiple creative sectors, from film, television, and fashion to music, digital creation, legal frameworks, and emerging technologies. Sessions ran across four stages, blending foundational business skills with cutting-edge innovation. This comprehensive approach unified diverse industries under one roof, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and collective impact across Africa’s creative ecosystem.
Women in Film and TV Conference
One of the highlights was the Women in Film and TV Conference (WIFTAfrica), which brought together leaders from Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, Kenya, Cameroon, Zambia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond. Speakers included Toke Benson-Awoyinka (Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture), Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi (former First Lady of Ekiti State), Joke Silva (actress and producer), Donna McGowan (British Council Country Director), and Rick Swart (U.S. Consul General). Discussions emphasized investing in skills, storytelling, and visibility for women in Africa’s screen industries.
The conference culminated in the WIFTAfrica Gala and Awards, celebrating excellence, leadership, and impact across African screen industries. Honorees included The Gates Foundation (Alliance Vanguard Award), Women in Film LA (Ignite Impact Award), Felicia Naiwa Sithebe (Amplifier Award), Fatou Jupiter (Next Frame Visionary Award), Joke Silva (Creative Vanguard Award), and Bimbo Oloyede (Legacy in Motion Award), among others.
Creative Continuum Africa Summit
Led by actor Bucci Franklin, this summit focused on the sustainability and well-being of creative professionals. Sessions included actors and creators like Blossom Chukwujekwu, Bimbo Ademoye, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Gabriel Afolayan, and Farai Ncube (British Council). Topics highlighted creative wellness, financial literacy, and innovation as pillars for globally competitive industries.
A key feature was the Creative Continuum Toolkit, designed to equip creatives with sustainable business strategies. As well as the presentation of a ₦5.5 million mentorship and training grant for emerging talent.
Africa Creative Market 2025: NOVUS Art Summit
The NOVUS Art Summit celebrated African creativity through dialogue and cultural exchange. Panelists, including Dr. Adeola Balogun, Yulia Daniels, Harry Kesiena, and Dotun Popoola, addressed art education, ethical collecting, technological influence, and the evolving art economy. NOVUS reinforced the role of art as both a cultural and economic driver in Africa.
Business of Photography and Entertainment Conferences
The Business of Photography Conference, convened by Kola Oshalusi, explored visual storytelling, brand building, and digital transformation. Key speakers included Kelechi Amadi Obi, Mai Atafo, and Clarence Peters. A highlight was the ULANZI product display, showcasing tools for global competitiveness in photography.
The Business of Entertainment Conference, curated by Mykel Parish, focused on film trade, financing, and distribution. Highlights included the panel on Zambia × Nigeria co-productions and the signing of an MOU between ACM and Kitale Film Week, Kenya, fostering cross-continental collaboration.
FashionEVO Summit
The FashionEVO Summit, co-hosted with the British Council and led by Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi, positioned African fashion as a scalable global industry. Keynote speaker Olori Ronke Ademiluyi emphasized investment in digital infrastructure and skill development. The summit concluded with the FashionEVO Fashion Show and Awards, honoring leaders like Hon. Toke Benson, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Femi Olayebi, Clement “Mudi” Enajemo, and other fashion innovators.
Digital Creator Africa Summit
Focusing on creative wealth generation, the Digital Creator Africa Summit featured Chude Jideonwo, Tosin Ajibade, Tomike Adeoye, Sisi Yemmie, David I. Adeleke, Chichi Nworah, Obi Asika, and Malik Afegbua. Convened by Ifeoma ‘Oma’ Areh, the summit provided tools for diversifying income and building sustainable creator careers.
Chude Jideonwo announced the Fourth Mainland Creator Fund (4ML), a $500,000 initiative supporting African creators, reinforcing the event’s commitment to creator empowerment and innovation.
Technology, Legal, and Policy Initiatives
The ACM Hackathon challenged 27 teams to develop Africa-led solutions for music and film distribution. Supported by AWS, CcHub, NITDA, and ACM, the event highlighted innovation and entrepreneurship, with FairPlay winning the ₦10 million grand prize.
The Global Creative Legal Summit tackled intellectual property rights, AI disruption, and cross-border deal-making. A mock arbitration session awarded ₦1 million to the top three teams for resolving IP disputes.
The British Council Creative Economy Week emphasized policy, trade, and strategic investment in Africa’s creative sector, complementing ACM’s mission to scale the continent’s creative industries.
Emerging Talent and Grand Finale
ACM 2025 concluded with the Next Level Grand Finale, spotlighting Africa’s emerging music talent. Arité won the ₦3 million grant, a UK performance, and a three-month mentorship, showcasing the event’s commitment to nurturing new creative voices.
About Africa Creative Market
The Africa Creative Market (ACM) is a platform that strengthens Africa’s creative economy by connecting creatives, investors, and policymakers. ACM provides access to trade finance, mentorship, investment, and data-driven insights, supporting scalable, tech-enabled, and globally competitive creative enterprises across the continent.
