FAME Week Africa 2026 has published the first phase of its conference programme, outlining sessions on artificial intelligence, content monetisation, intellectual property, music rights, creator-led businesses and the future of African entertainment.
The event will run from 28 to 30 October at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC2), with a newly introduced Music Week extending the schedule through 31 October. The annual gathering convenes professionals from film, television, music and the wider creative industries across the continent.
Conference Agenda
Scheduled discussions will address a range of topics, including:
- AI in film and content production
- International co-productions and global content distribution
- Audience development and digital storytelling
- The creator economy and vertical storytelling
- Youth content and intellectual property
- Music publishing, rights management and shifts in traditional distribution models
Speakers and Keynotes
Media personality and entrepreneur Kim Jayde will open the conference and lead a session titled From Followers to Film: Growing Your Career in Media and Production, exploring how creators convert digital audiences into careers in film, television, marketing and experiential entertainment.
“I have been very intentional in curating this panel on the main, bringing together industry professionals who each offer unique perspectives and collectively decades of experience. The creator economy is reshaping film, television, marketing and experiential industries,” Jayde said.
Other confirmed speakers include Flavia Motsisi, Melissa Nayimuli, Mandla N, Thabo Rametsi, Aubrey-Simone Williams, and Zukisani Karabo Mabece. They will appear alongside producers, broadcasters, commissioners, distributors, investors and creators from across the entertainment sector.
Portfolio director Martin Hiller said the programme was designed to connect delegates directly with decision-makers.
“The creative economy is evolving at an extraordinary pace, and the opportunities for African creators have never been greater. This year’s programme has been curated to ensure delegates don’t just hear about the future, they meet the people creating it,” Hiller said.
Music Week Expansion
A dedicated Music Week will operate from 28 to 31 October, bundling three industry events under a single delegate pass: Muziki Africa, the inaugural Pretty Loud Summit and Music Exchange (MEX26). Muziki Africa, headlined by the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), will cover AI, rights management, music publishing, live events and artist development. The Pretty Loud Summit will centre on women in the music industry, while MEX26 will examine the broader entertainment economy.
International Collaboration
France has been named the 2026 Destination Country, creating a focus on partnerships between African and European creative industries. The programme is expected to explore co-production, investment, cultural exchange and other forms of collaboration.
“We see immense potential for collaboration through co-production, investment, innovation and cultural exchange, creating new opportunities for professionals on both continents and strengthening the ties that connect our creative ecosystems,” said Benjamin Cabouat, deputy head of mission and Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi.
Host City Support
The City of Cape Town will again serve as host, with the event expected to draw industry professionals from across Africa and international markets. Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, said the gathering reinforced Cape Town’s role in the continent’s creative economy.
“Cape Town is proud to once again host FAME Week Africa, welcoming the visionaries, storytellers, innovators and industry leaders who are shaping the future of Africa’s creative economy. From globally recognised speakers and award-winning creatives to emerging talent and international decision-makers, the event transforms the Mother City into a hub of creativity, collaboration and opportunity,” Smith said.
The first phase of the conference programme is now available to delegates, with additional sessions and announcements expected ahead of the October event.
