Africa’s creative economy is entering its defining decade, and one of its most important cultural gatherings is evolving with it. The flagship platform formerly known as Entertainment Week Lagos is now officially Entertainment Week Africa (EWA), a strategic expansion designed to spotlight and connect the continent’s dynamic talent to the world. Taking place from November 18–23, 2025, the event will be anchored around different key locations in Lagos.
Evolving from Entertainment Week Lagos, the new Entertainment Week Africa is a direct step in amplifying our pan-African mission. This move formalizes our commitment to addressing systemic challenges and fostering long-term value across the continent. We are now positioned as Africa’s flagship creative economy conference and cultural experience, ready to meet the moment we’ve been building toward for years.
“Entertainment Week Africa is where the brilliance, originality, and global influence of Africa’s creative industry come together,” said Deola Art Alade, Founder of Livespot360 and Convener of Entertainment Week Africa. “It’s a strategic expansion designed to serve Africa’s growing influence in Music, Film, Tech, Fashion, Live Production, and Entrepreneurship. With one of the world’s youngest populations and a rising class of creators and cultural entrepreneurs, Africa’s creative economy is entering a new era rooted in ownership, innovation, and long-term value creation. That’s the promise of EWA: not just to spotlight what already exists, but to build what comes next.”
Africa’s Cultural Industries Are Booming
According to PwC’s 2024 Entertainment & Media Outlook, Africa’s entertainment and media markets are among the fastest-growing in the world, with countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa projected to post double-digit growth through 2028. In Kenya alone, the sector is forecast to expand from $3.8 billion in 2023 to $4.8 billion by 2028, underscoring a steady rise in consumer demand and digital adoption across the continent.
Beyond entertainment, UNESCO reports that Africa’s film and audiovisual sector already supports around 5 million jobs, with the potential to generate over 20 million jobs and $20 billion in annual revenues if structural barriers such as financing, infrastructure, and distribution are addressed.
With this year’s theme, “Close the Gap,” EWA 2025 will directly confront the real barriers creatives face, including funding limitations, fragmented infrastructure, and a lack of regional collaboration. The event is designed as a central meeting point for creatives, financiers, and policymakers, offering both visibility and tangible opportunities for investment and growth.
EWA’s New Era of Programming
Building on a history of proven impact which includes training over 2,000 creatives and convening over 53,000 attendees, EWA 2025 will introduce a new and comprehensive set of initiatives that were not part of the EWL era.
The Labspot Initiative is EWA’s skills development engine. The reimagined Deal Room now includes dedicated tracks for film and music founders, connecting them to a ₦25 million seed fund and Africa-focused investors through the EWA Content and Music Markets. In a similar vein, the Creative Job Fair focuses on connecting creatives to potential job opportunities.
The EWA Content Festival will showcase the best of the African content market, going beyond traditional film festivals. This section of the event includes key programs like Creators’ Day, film screenings, and premieres. At the heart of it all is the Content Market, a space designed to drive business and commercial deals. It’s a curated hub where filmmakers and creators can connect directly with buyers and distributors. With a focus on strengthening the business side of African cinema, the festival features masterclasses, conversations with industry leaders, and a story lab to help creators secure deals and find their next partners.
The EWA Music Camp aka Sound Lab is a high-intensity camp that brings together top producers, songwriters, and engineers to create new, sellable music.
