Africa Week UK 2026 is highlighting the creative talent, innovation and investment coming out of Africa within London.
The Africa Creative Economy Dialogue was held on Wednesday 28th October at Shell’s headquarters in London. It brought people together to discuss how to turn African talent and diaspora into sustainable business opportunities.
The event was covered by media partner Omega TV UK. Discussions around global market access, growth and how creative companies can benefit.
Joining the discussion were Professor Jasmine Young, Bello Kabiru and Zelalem Woldemariam via virtual means, alongside Yemisi Mokuolu.
Hosted by Shell and Cynthia Torto, with Elvina Quaison chairing the session, the discussion centred around challenges within Africa’s creative industries.
Participants discussed how using diaspora talent can help, how to gain access to global markets and how creative businesses can be supported. They made commitments to support sustainable growth within Africa’s creative industries.
This sets the scene for the Africa Market Access and Innovation Forum which will take place on Friday 30th October at Croydon Town Hall, London.
The event will run from 9am to 4pm and will likely cover trade and collaboration opportunities between African businesses, UK businesses and possible partners.
Topics covered on the event include the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to boost trading between African nations. This event will look at market access within Africa.
The Africa Week UK initiative as whole connects creative businesses, investment, diplomacy and African and Caribbean community relations.
Other events include a Heritage Vault Pop-Up on Saturday 31st October celebrating African heritage and creativity and an invite only Africa Country Branding Forum on Monday 2nd November at Edelman Africa, London.
The event will culminate with an Investors Meeting and Closing Ceremony on Friday 6th November at Ghana International Bank (Regina House). This event is invite only.
Africa Week UK 2026 is being co-ordinated by AFCHAT (Africa Centre for Hospitality, Aviation and Tourism) and AfroSphere under the theme of “Africa Forward: Innovation, Investment, Influence”.
The initiative aims to increase connection between African businesses, global markets and investment from the diaspora.
The key issue for entrepreneurs and creative professionals is turning global interest into tangible results such as business partnerships, customers and growth opportunities.
Omega TV UK are covering the discussions throughout the program.
More information and sign up for the Croydon Forum can be found on the Africa Week UK website.
