Stakeholders across Africa’s music ecosystem are set to converge in Lagos for the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS) ahead of the ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
Organisers announced that the summit will take place on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Eko Convention Centre, bringing together artistes, music executives, investors, policymakers, and media professionals to deliberate on strategies for growing, protecting, and profiting from Africa’s rapidly expanding music industry.
According to AFRIMA, the 2026 theme, “Connect, Build, Own: Monetising Africa’s Music Revolution,” underscores a renewed focus on transforming creativity into sustainable economic value. Discussions will centre on ownership, infrastructure, media, financing, and the development of a strong and inclusive music value chain across the continent.
The summit will be hosted by CNN African Voices Changemakers presenter Larry Madowo, alongside Mojibade Sosanya. Panel sessions will be moderated by experienced industry professionals including Landry Gnamba (Côte d’Ivoire), Nde Ndifonka (Cameroon), and Victoria Nkong (Nigeria). The keynote address will be delivered by the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Anna Westerholm.
Several prominent figures from music, media, law, and policy are also expected to speak at the event. Confirmed participants include Sipho Dlamini, CEO of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa; Karima Damir of Universal Music’s MENA region; Francis Doku, Mustapha Ettouil, Georg Heritlitz, Olisa Adibua, Bizzle Oshikoya, ID Cabassa, Innoss B, Juma Jux, Stonebwoy, and Didi B, among others.
One of the early sessions will focus on building infrastructure within the creative economy to drive revenue. Panelists will examine policies, systems, and platforms required to convert musical talent into sustainable income, with emphasis on rights protection, branding, and monetisation strategies.
Another key session, titled “Recipe for Global Stardom,” will explore pathways for African artists to achieve international success. Topics will include talent development, global positioning, touring, music distribution, and building long-term careers beyond short-lived popularity.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Mike Strano, Co-Producer and Director of AFRIMA and Regional Director for Eastern Nigeria, described AMBS as a vital platform for shaping the future of African music.
“African music is one of the continent’s strongest cultural exports today, but talent alone is not enough,” Strano said. “The Africa Music Business Summit is designed to help creatives and industry players understand ownership, structure, and sustainability, so they can fully benefit from the value they create.”
The summit forms a key part of activities leading up to AFRIMA 2026, reinforcing the awards’ broader mission to strengthen Africa’s music industry beyond recognition and celebration.
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