Follow Us on Google
African policymakers, investors and industry stakeholders have identified increased investment, stronger policy frameworks and legal reforms as critical to unlocking the economic potential of the continent’s creative industries at the 2026 Africa Creative Market (ACM) in Lusaka, Zambia.
The six-day conference ended with calls for expanded financing for creative enterprises, stronger intellectual property protection, innovation and deeper cross-border collaboration as African countries position the creative economy as a driver of growth, employment and regional trade. Participants also examined opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The conference brought together government officials, financial institutions, investors, entrepreneurs, development partners and creative industry operators from several African countries to discuss financing, technology, enterprise development, legal reforms and market access.
A major theme was the need to move beyond celebrating Africa’s creative talent to building institutions capable of supporting sustainable industry growth.
Participants agreed that long-term financing, enabling regulations and stronger institutions are essential for transforming creative ventures into competitive businesses.
Founder of Africa Creative Market, Dr Inya Lawal, said Zambia was chosen because of its growing commitment to the creative economy.
“People often ask why we chose Zambia. My answer has always been simple: Zambia is ready,” she said.
Representing the Zambian Government, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Kangwa Chileshe, stressed that talent alone was insufficient without institutional support.
The conference also focused on financing, legal reforms, intellectual property protection, artificial intelligence, digital innovation and cross-border licensing. It featured the unveiling of the African Creative Economy Lawyer (ACEL) initiative and the Entertainment & Creative Law Hub (ECLH) to strengthen legal support for creative enterprises.
Participants reaffirmed the need for stronger regional partnerships, increased investment, knowledge sharing and improved market access to drive sustainable growth across Africa’s creative economy.
