Lagos, Nigeria – The vibrant future of the Africa Music Business takes center stage on January 8, 2026. Industry titans will gather at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos for the crucial Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS). The summit is a flagship event of the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). Its theme is “Connect, Build, Own: Monetising Africa’s Music Revolution.” This powerful theme underscores the summit’s focus on ownership and long-term economic value for African creatives. The event aims to transform musical talent into sustainable success, providing a vital roadmap for artists and entrepreneurs in the burgeoning Africa Music Business. The music industry in Africa is booming, and this summit is a key event for its continued expansion, fostering significant Africa music growth and further developing the Music business Africa.
Industry Leaders Converge at the Africa Music Business Summit
Eminent personalities will lead crucial discussions at the Africa Music Business Summit. CNN’s Larry Madowo will host the summit. Popular TV host Mojibade Sosanya will co-host. The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, will deliver the keynote address, signaling international interest in Africa’s creative economy and highlighting the global significance of African music. These leaders bring diverse expertise to the forefront, representing media, policy, and global music business. Their insights are invaluable for shaping the future of the Africa Music Business and understanding African music growth.
Confirmed speakers include top executives. Sipho Dlamini leads Universal Music South Africa. Karima Damir represents Universal Music MENA. Francis Doku is a Ghanaian music executive. Mustapha Ettouil is a Moroccan music rights advisor. Georg Heritlitz from Sweden also joins. Olisa Adibua, founder of Storm Records, will participate. Bizzle Oshikoya, a Nigerian entertainment executive, is confirmed. Legendary producer ID Cabasa will share insights. Ghana’s star Stonebwoy will be present. Congolese superstar Innoss’B and Tanzanian artist Juma Jux will also speak. Panel sessions will feature moderated discussions. Landry Gnamba, Nde Ndifonka, and Victoria Nkong will moderate these panels. These diverse voices represent significant expertise and will guide conversations on critical Africa Music Business topics within the Music industry Africa.
Charting Music’s Future in the Africa Music Business
The summit will explore key areas for industry growth within the Africa Music Business. Early sessions focus on infrastructure, examining policies and systems for sustainable artist income. Discussions will address ownership and rights protection, crucial elements for Monetizing African music. Branding and monetization strategies are also on the agenda, essential steps for artists and labels to empower creators and control their careers within the Africa Music Business and the broader Creative economy Africa.
Furthermore, experts will discuss global stardom and explore media partnerships and financing models. These conversations aim to scale Africa’s music ecosystem sustainably. The event offers a roadmap for creatives, helping them convert talent into economic value and achieve successful careers in the Africa Music Business. A special fireside chat will address the “missing link” of Music investment Africa. Artists and labels will learn to attract capital, which is crucial for scaling creative businesses and enabling expansion and broader market reach within the Africa Music Business.
The Rise of African Music and the Africa Music Business
African music is a global phenomenon, evolving from a creative outlet into a high-growth industry with massive international investment pouring in. Sub-Saharan Africa’s recorded music revenue grew 22.6% in 2024, surpassing $100 million for the first time and reaching $110 million. This Africa music growth contrasts with global music revenue growth of 4.8% in 2024, reaching $29.6 billion. This expansion in the Africa Music Business is largely driven by streaming, with genres like Afrobeats and Amapiano gaining international traction, solidifying African music as a significant cultural and economic force. The Music industry Africa is experiencing unprecedented development, making the Africa Music Business a key sector for investment and growth.
However, challenges remain, including access to resources and copyright protection. Industry professionals need business and technical skills to navigate the evolving Africa Music Business. The summit aims to address these issues directly by empowering creatives. Mike Strano, AFRIMA Co-Producer and Director, stated that talent alone is not enough, emphasizing the need for understanding ownership and structure to ensure creatives benefit from their value. The summit provides this crucial learning opportunity for success in the Africa Music Business.
A Crucial Platform for the Africa Music Business
The Africa Music Business Summit is a vital platform shaping the future of African music. It convenes artists, executives, investors, and policymakers to discuss how Africa can grow its industry and explore how to protect and profit from it. This gathering fosters collaboration, drives innovation, and ultimately aims to solidify Africa’s position, ensuring its music becomes a sustainable economic force. Admission is free, but mandatory registration is required, ensuring a focused and engaged audience for these important discussions about the Africa Music Business. The summit is more than just a conference; it is a catalyst for continental progress in the Music industry Africa and the broader Creative economy Africa, driving the African music revolution.
