30/07/2026
Republic of Zambia
Ministry of Youth Sport and Arts
PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Africa Creative Market 2026 Concludes Landmark Six-Day Gathering, Strengthening Africa’s Creative Economy Through Innovation, Investment and Continental Collaboration
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – 21 July 2026 - Thousands of delegates from across Africa gathered in Lusaka as the Africa Creative Market (ACM) 2026 concluded six days of dialogue, partnerships, investment conversations and cultural exchange, reaffirming Africa’s determination to build a globally competitive creative economy.
Held from 29 June to 4 July 2026 in collaboration with the Creative Industries Business Summit of Zambia (CIBSZ) and the Kwimbo National Arts Festival, ACM 2026 brought together government officials, policymakers, investors, creatives and industry leaders from across the continent.
The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, in partnership with ACM, successfully hosted the event, a milestone strengthened by Zambia’s participation at the Cannes Film Festival (12–23 May 2026), where engagements with global partners facilitated key speaker invitations and collaborations that enriched the Lusaka programme.
Participation at Cannes was not ceremonial travel. It formed part of a deliberate international market-development strategy. If Zambia wants international productions, financing, distribution partnerships, institutional relationships and global creative-industry collaborations, Zambia must be present in the rooms where many of those relationships are initiated. The objective was therefore to begin telling international stakeholders: Zambia is here. Zambia is open. Zambia has talent. Zambia has locations. Zambia has opportunities. Come and see what is possible.
Key Highlights of the events:
• Creative Capital Forum: Explored financing, technology adoption and long-term support for creative businesses.
• Global Creative Legal Summit: Addressed intellectual property (IP) protection, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opportunities, and unveiled the African Creative Economy Lawyer (ACEL) and Entertainment & Creative Law Hub (ECLH) initiatives.
• Creative Technology Summit: Showcased animation, immersive tech and AI reshaping storytelling.
• Film & Theatre Platforms: Included the Zambian premiere of 77, highlighting cross-border collaboration.
• FashionEVO Summit: Focused on sustainable production, exports and innovation, capped by the Fashion Show & Awards.
• Wellbeing Focus: Encouraged resilience and mental health in creative careers.
• Kwimbo National Arts Festival: Celebrated Zambia’s cultural heritage through music, dance and exhibitions.
• Next Level Music Showcase: Ten emerging artists competed, with the winner earning international distribution support.
Broader Impact
ACM and CIBS 2026 strengthened networks across Africa, expanding opportunities for investment, market access and institutional cooperation. Organisers emphasized that ACM, CIBS and Kwimbo has become more than an annual event, they are now continental platforms where policy meets enterprise, culture intersects with commerce, and partnerships evolve into long-term opportunities shaping Africa’s creative future.
The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts extends appreciation to ACM, partners and volunteers, including United Nations Volunteers and student volunteers, whose dedication ensured the success of this landmark collaboration. Importantly, both ACM and the Ministry pooled resources to deliver the events, underscoring the strength of partnership in advancing Africa’s creative industries.
Issued by: Office of the Permanent Secretary
Government of the Republic of Zambia
Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts
