Mbulelo Mpofu in Johannesburg, South Africa
THE Global Creative Summit (GCS) is stepping up its ambition to position Gauteng as Africa’s gateway to the global creative economy, bringing together policymakers, investors, diplomats, artistes and creative industry leaders for its second annual gathering from 19-21 November 2026.
Under the theme ‘VISA TO THE WORLD – BUILDING AFRICA’S CREATIVE ECONOMY – THE BLUEPRINT’, the Summit aims to move beyond conversations about the potential of Africa’s cultural and creative industries (CCIs) towards practical strategies that unlock investment, expand international markets and create sustainable economic opportunities for creative entrepreneurs.
Following its inaugural edition in Johannesburg in November 2025, the Summit returns to Gauteng after its proposed second edition in New Orleans, United States, was redirected to South Africa. The decision reinforces the province’s intended role as a strategic meeting point connecting Africa’s creative industries with international business networks, markets and development opportunities.
GCS founder Sinamandla Kwepile says the 2026 gathering is designed to strengthen Gauteng’s position as a continental gateway for creative trade and international cooperation.
“The 2026 edition seeks to reinforce Gauteng’s strategic role as a gateway connecting Africa’s cultural and creative industries with international markets, investors, institutions and development partners,” says Kwepile.
“Through its economic infrastructure, business networks and international connectivity, Gauteng provides a platform to advance continental trade, creative entrepreneurship and global cooperation.”
The vision recognises that although African music, fashion, film, visual arts, literature and other cultural expressions enjoy growing international recognition, many creatives still struggle to access the financial resources, distribution networks and commercial partnerships needed to turn their talents into sustainable businesses.
Kwepile says the Summit’s theme captures the urgency of addressing these challenges.
“The theme, ‘VISA TO THE WORLD – BUILDING AFRICA’S CREATIVE ECONOMY – THE BLUEPRINT,’ reflects the need to move beyond dialogue towards practical implementation. ‘VISA TO THE WORLD’ represents access to international markets, investment, mobility and partnerships, while ‘THE BLUEPRINT’ calls for coordinated action to strengthen creative enterprises, improve access to finance, expand exports and establish sustainable pathways for economic participation.”
The inaugural Summit in 2025 laid the foundation for this ambition by providing a platform for artistes, policymakers and industry leaders to discuss opportunities and challenges across seven creative sectors. The event attracted participation from Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe and celebrated South African cultural icon Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
It also extended its impact beyond the conference venue through a youth-focused creative economy engagement in Meadowlands, Soweto, recognising the importance of equipping young people with opportunities to participate in the growing creative sector.
International participation included a Zimbabwean delegation led by singer Bothwell Nkomo, popularly known as Gog’ Bekezela, reflecting the Summit’s commitment to continental representation.
During 2026, GCS further expanded its Pan-African footprint through initiatives in Eswatini, Mozambique and Lesotho. These engagements provided platforms for cultural exchange, artiste showcases, artisan exhibitions and cross-border partnerships. The Lesotho Consultative Edition received support through the European Union’s Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture programme and Goethe-Institut mobility support.
The organisation’s Core Team, comprising representatives from Nigeria, Ghana, Seychelles, South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, continues to drive its continental vision through regional expertise, networks and collaboration.
The November programme will combine investment networking, policy dialogue and practical enterprise development. On 19 November, the Global Creative Investment Golf Day and Gala Dinner will facilitate strategic engagement, investment discussions and partnership development.
The Global Creative Economy Summit follows on 20 November, with discussions focusing on music, film, fashion, visual arts, literature, digital innovation and creative diplomacy.
The final day, 21 November, will concentrate on creative enterprise development, financial literacy, investment readiness, export development and business-to-business market access, complemented by an African marketplace and VISA Fest.
According to Kwepile, the Summit seeks to bring together stakeholders around shared priorities for strengthening Africa’s creative economy in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“The Summit aims to contribute to these objectives by convening government representatives, investors, diplomatic missions, industry bodies, development institutions and creative practitioners around shared priorities for the growth of Africa’s creative economy,” he says.
GCS is inviting government institutions, diplomatic missions, investors, corporates, development agencies, industry associations, creative enterprises, artistes and media organisations to participate through strategic partnerships, investment, exhibition opportunities and knowledge exchange.
The broader objective is to facilitate cross-border trade, strengthen creative businesses, expand employment opportunities and improve the international competitiveness of African creative industries.
As the Summit prepares to return to Gauteng, its message is that Africa must move beyond celebrating its creative talent and build the financial, institutional and commercial structures that enable creatives to benefit economically from their work.
For GCS, positioning Gauteng as Africa’s gateway is therefore not simply about hosting an international gathering; it is about creating lasting connections between African creativity and global opportunity.
The ultimate ambition is to turn Africa’s creative potential into sustainable economic growth, with Gauteng serving as a bridge between the continent’s creative industries and the world. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
