Africa’s Creative Economy Hits New Heights as ACM 2026 Wraps Up in Lusaka

Highlights from the Africa Creative Market 2026 in Lusaka

Thousands of delegates from across Africa gathered in Lusaka last week as the Africa Creative Market (ACM) 2026 concluded six days of high-level dialogue, strategic partnerships, and investment conversations. The landmark event, held from 29 June to 4 July 2026, reaffirmed the continent’s growing determination to build a globally competitive creative economy. From Lagos to Nairobi, Accra to Cape Town, and beyond, innovators, investors, and policymakers converged to drive collaboration and unlock new opportunities in Africa’s creative sectors.

With a focus on sustainability, technology, and market access, ACM 2026 positioned itself as a pivotal platform for African creatives to connect with global markets. The event’s success signals a turning point for the continent’s creative industries, which are increasingly recognized as key drivers of economic growth and cultural diplomacy.

For Nigeria’s burgeoning creative sector—home to Nollywood, Afrobeats, and a thriving digital arts scene—the outcomes of ACM 2026 could not come at a better time. As Africa’s largest economy and creative hub, Nigeria played a central role in shaping the event’s agenda, ensuring that its unique challenges and opportunities were addressed on a continental stage.

ACM 2026 by the Numbers: A Snapshot of Success

The Africa Creative Market 2026 was more than just a gathering—it was a catalyst for action. Over the six days, the event facilitated:

• Over 500 business matchmaking sessions, connecting creatives with investors, distributors, and collaborators.
• More than 150 investment deals worth an estimated $250 million, spanning film, music, fashion, gaming, and digital media.
• 12 country pavilions, including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, and Ethiopia, showcasing the diversity of Africa’s creative output.
• 30+ panel discussions and workshops featuring industry leaders, policymakers, and global experts.
• 5,000+ attendees from 30 African countries, alongside international delegates from Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

These figures underscore the event’s role as a unifying force for Africa’s creative economy, breaking down barriers and fostering cross-border collaboration.

Why ACM 2026 Matters for Nigeria’s Creative Sector

Nigeria’s creative industries—particularly Nollywood, Afrobeats, and digital content creation—are already economic powerhouses, contributing billions to the nation’s GDP annually. However, challenges such as limited access to funding, infrastructure gaps, and fragmented markets have long hindered growth. ACM 2026 provided a platform to address these issues head-on, with Nigerian delegates securing tangible outcomes that could transform the sector.

One of the most significant takeaways for Nigeria was the announcement of a $50 million creative industries fund, launched in partnership with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). This fund aims to support Nigerian filmmakers, musicians, and digital creators in scaling their projects for both local and international audiences.

Additionally, several Nigerian startups specializing in music distribution, film production, and virtual reality (VR) experiences secured partnerships with global platforms, including Netflix, Spotify, and Meta. These collaborations are expected to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s digital creative economy, positioning it as a leader in Africa’s fourth industrial revolution.

For Nigerian entrepreneurs and creatives, ACM 2026 was a reminder that the continent’s creative economy is not just about art—it’s about business, innovation, and sustainable development. The event highlighted how Nigerian talent is increasingly being recognized on the global stage, from Afrobeats superstars like Burna Boy and Tems to Nollywood icons like Genevieve Nnaji and Funke Akindele.

Investment and Innovation Take Center Stage

The Africa Creative Market has always been about more than just networking—it’s about turning ideas into tangible outcomes. In 2026, the event doubled down on its commitment to fostering innovation, with a dedicated “Innovation Lab” where startups pitched their projects to investors in real time.

Among the standout success stories was AfroSound, a Lagos-based music-tech startup that secured $3 million in seed funding to expand its AI-driven platform for African music discovery. Similarly, NollyFund, a Nigerian film financing initiative, announced a partnership with a South African investment group to co-produce five Nollywood films over the next two years.

These developments reflect a broader trend: Africa’s creative economy is no longer just a cultural asset—it’s an economic one. With the right support, Nigerian and African creatives can drive job creation, attract foreign investment, and put the continent on the map as a global creative powerhouse.

Pan-African Collaborations Emerge as a Key Theme

One of the most inspiring aspects of ACM 2026 was the spirit of collaboration that permeated the event. Unlike previous years, where discussions often focused on individual country successes, this year’s edition emphasized pan-African partnerships as the key to unlocking the continent’s creative potential.

A prime example was the “AfriFilm Co-Production Treaty”, signed by film commissions from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. This treaty aims to simplify cross-border film production, allowing filmmakers to access funding, locations, and talent across multiple countries without bureaucratic hurdles. For Nigerian producers, this means easier access to East and Southern African markets, which have historically been underserved by Nollywood.

Similarly, the “AfroBeats Global Alliance” was launched to promote African music on the international stage. Spearheaded by Nigeria’s Chocolate City Music and Ghana’s BBnZ Live, the alliance will coordinate tours, streaming campaigns, and brand partnerships to elevate Afrobeats as a global phenomenon. With Afrobeats already generating over $1 billion annually, this initiative could further solidify Africa’s position in the global music industry.

For delegates from smaller creative hubs—such as Rwanda, Senegal, or Botswana—ACM 2026 provided an opportunity to plug into larger markets. The event’s “Emerging Creatives” pavilion showcased talent from these countries, attracting interest from international buyers and distributors. This inclusivity is crucial for ensuring that Africa’s creative economy grows equitably across the continent.

Policy and Infrastructure: The Backbone of Growth

While creativity drives the Africa Creative Market, policy and infrastructure are the backbone that sustains it. ACM 2026 placed a strong emphasis on how governments and private sector players can work together to create an enabling environment for creatives.

In a keynote address, Zambia’s Minister of Tourism and Arts, Hon. Moses Mawere, highlighted the role of government in supporting the creative economy. “Creativity is not just an art form—it’s an industry that can transform our economies,” Mawere said. “We must invest in infrastructure, digital connectivity, and skills development to ensure that our creatives can compete globally.”

Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musawa, echoed this sentiment, announcing a new “Creative Economy Implementation Plan” aimed at streamlining regulations, improving access to finance, and enhancing Nigeria’s creative education system. The plan includes partnerships with universities to develop curricula tailored to the needs of Africa’s creative industries.

Another critical discussion centered on digital infrastructure, particularly in light of the rapid growth of streaming platforms and online content consumption. Nigerian tech startups like Swifta Systems and Kudi showcased solutions for seamless digital payments, content distribution, and audience engagement, addressing some of the key challenges faced by African creatives in the digital age.

Sustainability and Social Impact: The New Frontier

ACM 2026 also shone a spotlight on how Africa’s creative economy can contribute to broader social and environmental goals. Sustainability was a recurring theme, with discussions on how creatives can leverage their influence to promote eco-friendly practices, ethical fashion, and digital inclusion.

The “Green Screen Initiative”, launched by a coalition of African filmmakers and environmentalists, aims to reduce the carbon footprint of film and TV production across the continent. The initiative encourages the use of renewable energy on set, sustainable materials in costume design, and eco-friendly post-production processes. Nigerian production houses like ROK Studios and FilmOne Entertainment have already pledged to adopt these practices.

Similarly, the “AfroFashion Circular Economy” project, led by designers from South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, is working to reduce textile waste by promoting upcycling and local sourcing. With Africa’s fashion industry valued at over $30 billion, these initiatives demonstrate how creativity can drive positive change beyond the screen and stage.

For Nigerian creatives, these conversations are particularly relevant as the country grapples with issues such as plastic pollution, fast fashion, and digital divide. By integrating sustainability into their work, Nigerian artists and entrepreneurs can align with global trends while making a tangible impact at home.

What’s Next? The Road to ACM 2027

As ACM 2026 drew to a close, the question on everyone’s mind was: What’s next? The event’s organizers have already announced plans for ACM 2027, which will build on the momentum of this year’s edition. Key themes for next year include:

• Technology and Creativity: Exploring how AI, blockchain, and Web3 can revolutionize Africa’s creative industries.
• Youth Empowerment: Programs to support young creatives in accessing funding, mentorship, and market opportunities.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Strengthening Africa’s soft power through strategic partnerships with global institutions like UNESCO and the World Economic Forum.
• Regional Integration: Expanding the AfriFilm Co-Production Treaty and AfroBeats Global Alliance to include more African countries.

For Nigerian delegates, the road to ACM 2027 presents an opportunity to consolidate the gains made this year. With the $50 million creative industries fund now in place and several investment deals secured, the focus will shift to execution—turning ideas into impact and ensuring that Nigeria remains at the forefront of Africa’s creative revolution.

Key Takeaways for Nigerian Creatives

ACM 2026 was more than just a networking event—it was a call to action for Nigeria’s creative community. Here are the key takeaways for Nigerian creatives looking to leverage the momentum:

1. Collaborate Across Borders

The success of the AfriFilm Co-Production Treaty and AfroBeats Global Alliance highlights the power of pan-African collaboration. Nigerian creatives should look beyond their local markets and explore partnerships with peers across the continent. Whether it’s co-producing a film with a Kenyan director or collaborating on a music project with a Ghanaian artist, these alliances can open doors to new audiences and funding opportunities.

For example, Kwese TV, a pan-African streaming platform, recently announced a partnership with Nollywood producers to distribute exclusive content across multiple African countries. This is a model Nigerian creatives can emulate by thinking regionally rather than locally.

2. Embrace Technology and Innovation

The rise of AI, blockchain, and digital platforms is transforming Africa’s creative economy. Nigerian creatives who invest in technology—whether through VR filmmaking, AI-driven music production, or blockchain-based royalties—will be better positioned to compete globally.

Startups like TalentQL, which connects African tech talent with global opportunities, and Mary and Martha Records, a Nigerian label using blockchain for artist payments, are already leading the charge. By staying ahead of the curve, Nigerian creatives can future-proof their careers and businesses.

3. Prioritize Sustainability and Social Impact

As consumers and investors increasingly demand ethical and sustainable practices, Nigerian creatives must align their work with these values. This could mean adopting eco-friendly production methods, promoting local crafts in fashion, or using art to address social issues like gender equality and youth unemployment.

The success of initiatives like the Green Screen Initiative and AfroFashion Circular Economy proves that sustainability and creativity are not mutually exclusive—they can be powerful allies in driving growth and positive change.

4. Leverage Policy and Funding Opportunities

The $50 million creative industries fund and Nigeria’s new Creative Economy Implementation Plan are game-changers for the sector. Nigerian creatives should familiarize themselves with these opportunities and explore how they can benefit from them.

For instance, the NEPC’s “Export Expansion Grant” offers financial support to creatives looking to expand into international markets. Similarly, the Bank of Industry’s “Creative Enterprise Programme” provides low-interest loans to small and medium-sized creative businesses. By tapping into these resources, Nigerian creatives can scale their projects and reach new audiences.

5. Prepare for ACM 2027

The Africa Creative Market 2027 is already on the horizon, and Nigerian creatives should start preparing now. Whether it’s refining a pitch for the Innovation Lab, exploring co-production opportunities, or developing a sustainability plan, the time to act is now.

Delegates who left ACM 2026 with clear goals—whether securing investment, forming partnerships, or launching a new project—will be best positioned to capitalize on the opportunities ahead. As the continent’s creative economy continues to grow, Nigeria must remain a leader in shaping its future.

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