Nigerian creatives target global deals as Africa creative market

By Chukwuma Umeorah

Nigerian filmmakers, game developers, fashion designers and digital content producers are expected to seek wider market access and cross-border deals as the Africa Creative Market (ACM) expands its 2026 edition to five countries.

ACM said the programme would run satellite activations in Cannes, Lagos, Johannesburg and Kigali, before a six-day main event in Lusaka, Zambia.

Organisers said the expansion follows participation from several African countries at previous editions hosted in Nigeria, including a strong Zambian delegation last year.

Industry operators say the wider geographic spread increases exposure to investors, studios, platforms and policymakers outside the domestic market, at a time when access to funding and distribution remains a key challenge.

The organisers confirmed that the Lagos activation will again serve as one of the entry points for West African participants, particularly in film, television, music, fashion, games and digital media, before engagements move to other global locations.

ACM Founder, Inya Lawal, said the choice of Zambia for the flagship event reflects a broader continental strategy rather than a shift away from Nigeria.

“ACM turns five in 2026, and this moment is about scale, substance, and legacy. Hosting our main event in Zambia, after an incredible delegation experience in Nigeria, signals the future of African collaboration. From Cannes to Lusaka, Lagos to Johannesburg and Kigali, ACM 2026 is Africa showing up globally, together.”

Industry analysts note that Nigeria remains a major content supply hub, particularly through Nollywood and its fast-growing digital creator economy, but faces rising competition from other African markets positioning themselves for film production and creative investment.

Lawal added that the event will be integrated with Zambia’s Creative Industry Business Summit and the Kwimbo National Arts Festival, a move expected to attract international producers and investors seeking new locations and partnerships.