Entertainment Week Africa (EWA) is set to return to Lagos from 17–22 November 2026 for its landmark fifth anniversary edition, bringing with it a bigger pan-African vision focused on building real opportunities across Africa’s creative economy.
The 2026 edition, themed “Five Years of Closing the Gap,” represents EWA’s journey from a cultural gathering into a powerful platform designed to bridge the distance between African creativity and the resources needed to sustain it, including investment, ownership, intellectual property, talent development, partnerships and access to global markets.
Over the past five years, EWA has grown beyond celebrating African culture. It has become a meeting point where creators, entrepreneurs, investors, brands, buyers, policymakers, technology platforms and industry leaders come together to build businesses and shape the future of Africa’s creative industries.
A major highlight of the 2026 edition of Entertainment Week Africa (EWA) will be the global premiere of University of Side Hustle, the first scripted feature film from Livespot Studios. Set in Lagos, the film was written by Dami Elebe and executive-produced by Deola Art Alade, representing a significant step in EWA’s journey, moving beyond creating spaces for industry conversations to actively contributing to the creation and export of African intellectual property.
The 2026 edition will spotlight seven key areas across the creative ecosystem: Film & TV, Music, Fashion & Beauty, AI & Technology, Art & Animation, Live Events & Production, and Creative Enterprise. Art & Animation joins the programme for the first time, expanding EWA’s commitment to supporting emerging and established creative disciplines. Each vertical has been designed with impact beyond conversations, creating practical opportunities through industry networking, pitch sessions, talent development initiatives, market access programmes and continued support beyond the event itself.
A stronger focus on business and commercial outcomes will define EWA 2026, with key platforms including the EWA Deal Room, Content and Music Markets, EWA Capital Desk, Creators Hub, and LABSPOT. These initiatives are built to connect creators and entrepreneurs with buyers, distributors, investors, platforms and partners who can help transform ideas into sustainable ventures.
The success of the 2025 edition highlighted the growing demand for a platform that connects creativity with capital. The EWA Deal Room received more than 178 submissions, with nine companies selected for its accelerator programme. Four businesses, Aktivate, FriendnPal, Growwr and Sports Reels, went on to attract direct investor interest during the programme. The initiative also brought together investors and ecosystem partners, including Future Africa, Catalyst Fund, Consonance Invest and Askya Investment Partners.
For 2026, EWA is focused on creating even stronger pathways between African creatives, founders, investors, commissioners, buyers, distributors, technology platforms and institutions, ensuring that opportunities continue long after the event concludes.
EWA’s global footprint has also continued to expand through EWA Creative Connect, an invitation-only series designed to extend conversations beyond Lagos and build international partnerships. The initiative launched in Los Angeles during Grammy Week 2026, bringing together senior representatives from organisations including Warner Records, Adobe, Amazon, Dramabox, Afrexim and Unilever. It later continued in London during the Nigeria–UK state visit, creating engagement between Africa’s creative ecosystem and global institutions, brands, investors and policymakers.
Reflecting on five years of EWA, Deola Art Alade, Convener of Entertainment Week Africa and Group CEO of Livespot, shared:
“Five years ago, EWA was built around a simple belief, that African creativity deserves stronger platforms, greater access and more meaningful value. Today, our mission has expanded beyond bringing the industry together. We are focused on building systems that connect talent with capital, ideas with opportunities, and culture with long-term economic impact. EWA 2026 represents the strongest expression of that vision.”
Darey Art Alade, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Livespot, added:
“EWA has always existed where creativity, culture and opportunity meet. As we enter this next chapter, our goal is to create an experience that goes beyond inspiration, one that provides access, learning, community and clear pathways for Africa’s next generation of creative talent to build successful careers and businesses.”
Registration and speaker submissions for Entertainment Week Africa 2026 are currently open, with more programme announcements to be revealed ahead of the event.
Follow On Socials: @livespot360 | @ewafrica
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