The Africa Creative Market (ACM), one of the continent’s most influential platforms for creative entrepreneurs, is celebrating its fifth anniversary with an expansive global activation in 2026, and Zambia has been named the main host country for this year’s flagship events. The announcement highlights Africa’s growing creative economy and the role of continental collaboration in shaping new opportunities for creatives, innovators, and industry stakeholders across music, fashion, film, technology, and beyond.
Since its inception five years ago, the Africa Creative Market has grown from a single gathering into a multi-city initiative designed to elevate African creativity on the world stage. Its mission: to create sustainable economic opportunities, promote cross-sector partnerships, and showcase the diversity of African cultural expression.
A Five-Year Creative Journey
The Africa Creative Market was launched to support emerging and established creative professionals by providing platforms for exhibition, networking, and commerce. Over the past five years, the initiative has expanded its reach, hosting activations in various African cities and connecting local talent to global buyers, investors, and audiences.
Organizers say the milestone is not only a moment to reflect on the journey so far but also to envision a more connected future for African creatives. As ACM turns five, its growing influence in global creative circuits underscores how much the African creative ecosystem has matured, from grassroots innovation to internationally recognized industry contributions.
Zambia 2026: Main Host and Creative Hub
For 2026, Zambia takes center stage as the main host for ACM events. The country’s selection reflects its vibrant cultural landscape and rising status as a creative hub in Southern Africa. Zambia’s creative community, including fashion designers, visual artists, musicians, filmmakers, and digital innovators, will be showcased throughout ACM’s year-long activation.
The ACM global activation in Zambia aims to bring together stakeholders from across Africa and the diaspora, with a focus on:
- Creative industry exhibitions
- Fashion showcases and runway events
- Music performances and networking sessions
- Film screenings and panel discussions
- Workshops on entrepreneurship, branding, and digital markets
This expansive format is designed to maximize collaboration and economic exchange, creating opportunities for creatives to access investment, partnerships, and international marketplaces.
What Attendees Can Expect
The 2026 ACM program promises a variety of experiences tailored to different creative sectors. Some highlights include:
1. Creative Market Exhibitions
A marketplace for designers, artists, and innovators to showcase their work and connect with buyers, fashion houses, galleries, and industry leaders.
2. Fashion & Style Showcases
Zambia’s fashion designers will take the spotlight with runway presentations, pop-up collections, and curated discussions on the future of African fashion and cultural aesthetics.
3. Music & Performance Arts
Musicians and performance artists from across Africa will be featured in live showcases and collaborations, emphasizing the rich soundscapes powering contemporary African music.
4. Film and Digital Media Platforms
Filmmakers and content creators will have opportunities to screen projects, participate in panels, and explore distribution channels with international partners.
5. Masterclasses and Workshops
Educational sessions will offer insights on branding, community building, digital monetization, and cross-border collaboration, tailored for both emerging creative entrepreneurs and established professionals.
Why This Matters for African Creativity
The Africa Creative Market’s expansion into Zambia for its fifth anniversary signals a broader shift in how African creative industries engage global audiences and networks. By decentralizing major creative events from traditional cultural capitals and spotlighting new hubs like Lusaka, Bamako, Dakar, Lagos, and Nairobi, ACM is fostering a more inclusive and representative creative economy.
Organizers emphasize that cultural production, from fashion to film to music, is not just an artistic pursuit but a driving force for economic growth, youth empowerment, and international cultural exchange. In an era where African creativity is garnering global attention, initiatives like ACM offer pathways for sustained investment and creative sustainability.
Moreover, Zambia’s role as host complements the country’s ongoing efforts to solidify its presence within regional creative markets. With local artists gaining increased exposure and collaborations with African counterparts strengthening, the 2026 activation is expected to position Zambia as a creative crossroads in Southern Africa.
Looking Ahead: Beyond Zambia
While Zambia holds the main hosting role for 2026, the Africa Creative Market experience will span multiple cities and collaborations throughout the year. This decentralized strategy encourages:
- Cross-regional artistic exchange
- Shared best practices across creative sectors
- Stronger ties between cultural capital cities
- Broader access for creatives across income levels
By making the creative economy more accessible and interconnected, ACM is helping shape an ecosystem where African creatives are not only recognized but also economically empowered on the world stage.
Register here.
Will you be following the Africa Creative Market events in Zambia or beyond? What part of the creative economy excites you most, fashion, film, music, or digital arts? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share which city you’d like to see host future ACM activations!