Zambia hosts Africa Creative Market to build investable legal and financial frameworks

The Africa Creative Market (ACM) 2026 concluded in Lusaka, Zambia, with a strategic push to formalize the continent’s cultural sectors into investable asset classes. Held from 29 June to 4 July, the six-day summit gathered policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs from across Africa to address the structural deficits hindering commercial growth.

For investors and market professionals, the event highlighted a critical transition from relying on raw talent to building robust financial and legal infrastructure. The Creative Capital Forum focused on expanding access to funding and transforming creative ventures into globally competitive enterprises.

Legal reform emerged as a primary mechanism to protect these investments. The Global Creative Legal Summit addressed intellectual property protection, cross-border licensing, and the commercial opportunities unlocked by the African Continental Free Trade Area.

To enforce these frameworks, organizers unveiled the African Creative Economy Lawyer initiative and the Entertainment & Creative Law Hub. These institutions aim to provide the legal scaffolding necessary for sustainable cross-border commerce and rights management.

Zambian government officials and event founders emphasized that structural readiness is the prerequisite for capital inflows. Kangwa Chileshe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, stated, “Talent alone is not enough. We must build the structures that allow talent to thrive.”

ACM founder Inya Lawal highlighted the host nation's readiness to lead this economic shift. She stated, “People often ask me why we chose Zambia. My answer has always been simple; because Zambia is ready.”

The summit also targeted the digital economy, examining how artificial intelligence and immersive technologies are reshaping content monetization. Sessions focused on helping digital creators build sustainable businesses through diversified revenue streams and strategic partnerships rather than relying on viral success.

Traditional sectors like fashion and film were repositioned as export-driven industries. The FashionEVO Summit examined sustainable manufacturing and international investment, while film distribution forums addressed financing and audience access across the continent.

Ultimately, the gathering signaled to global markets that Africa's creative industries are actively organizing to capture institutional capital. By aligning policy, enterprise, and legal frameworks, the continent is laying the groundwork for a highly integrated and commercially viable cultural economy.