AFRIMA, the prestigious African music awards, is set to host its highly anticipated Africa Music Business Summit in Lagos State. This summit, a flagship event of the 9th AFRIMA, will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from across Africa and the global music industry on January 8, 2026, at the Eko Convention Centre. The event promises to be a powerful gathering, fostering connections and collaborations to propel Africa's music industry forward.
The summit's theme, 'Connect, Build, Own: Monetising Africa's Music Revolution,' emphasizes AFRIMA's commitment to ownership, infrastructure development, and a robust continental value chain. This theme sets the stage for an insightful and transformative event, where industry leaders, artists, executives, investors, policymakers, and media professionals will come together to discuss and shape the future of Africa's music scene.
The summit will be hosted by award-winning broadcaster Mr. Larry Madowo, with the talented Ms. Mojibade Sosanya as his co-host. The panel sessions will be moderated by industry experts Mr. Landry Gnamba from Côte d'Ivoire, Mr. Nde Ndifonka from Cameroon, and Ms. Victoria Nkong from Nigeria. Their diverse perspectives will ensure a well-rounded and engaging discussion.
The keynote address will be delivered by the esteemed Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Anna Westerholm, adding an international dimension to the summit. The confirmed speakers include industry heavyweights such as Mr. Sipho Dlamini from Universal Music South Africa, Ms. Karima Damir from Universal Music MENA, and the Ghanaian executive Mr. Francis Doku. Other notable attendees include Mr. Mustapha Ettouil, Mr. Georg Heritlitz, Mr. Olisa Adibua, and Mr. ID Cabasa, each bringing their unique expertise and insights.
The early sessions will delve into the creative economy infrastructure, exploring the policies, systems, and platforms necessary to transform musical talent into sustainable income streams. Another crucial discussion will focus on ownership, rights protection, branding, and monetization strategies across Africa's music value chain. Additionally, the summit will explore global stardom, media partnerships, and financing models to ensure the sustainable growth of Africa's music ecosystem.
This summit is a testament to AFRIMA's commitment to fostering a thriving and interconnected music industry in Africa. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, AFRIMA aims to unlock new opportunities, promote cultural exchange, and empower artists and industry professionals alike. The event is expected to generate valuable insights and actionable strategies, leaving a lasting impact on the African music landscape.
