The iconic Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt, will host the maiden edition of the All Africa Art & Chess Championship (AAACC) from October 1 to 4, 2026, bringing together artists, chess players, cultural ambassadors, innovators, entrepreneurs and tourists from across Africa and beyond.

The four-day continental event, themed “Connecting Africa Through Art, Chess, Innovation and Culture,” is aimed at promoting African integration through creative expression, intellectual competition, cultural exchange and tourism.
According to the organisers, the championship will feature an international art exhibition, a continental chess championship, cultural performances, business and investment networking sessions, innovation showcases, tourism experiences and recognition awards.

The event is expected to attract leading visual artists, chess masters, galleries, collectors, educational institutions, corporate organisations, government agencies, development partners and tourism stakeholders from across the continent.

The organisers said the initiative was conceived as a platform for celebrating African excellence, encouraging youth participation, strengthening cross-border collaboration and positioning the continent’s creative and intellectual industries as drivers of economic growth and cultural diplomacy.

“The All Africa Art & Chess Championship is more than a competition. It is a continental movement aimed at connecting Africa through creativity, strategy, innovation and shared cultural heritage.

“We are creating opportunities for collaboration, investment, tourism and sustainable development while showcasing the immense talents that exist across the continent,” the organisers said.

Beyond the competitions and exhibitions, participants will have opportunities to explore Egypt through guided heritage and tourism activities, combining intellectual competition and creative expression with cultural discovery and networking.

The organisers have also invited governments, diplomatic missions, corporate organisations, financial institutions, development agencies, educational institutions and private-sector stakeholders to support the initiative through sponsorships, strategic partnerships and exhibition opportunities.

Registration is currently open to artists, chess players, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers and delegates from across Africa and the international community.

The organisers said additional information on registration, sponsorship packages, exhibition opportunities, travel arrangements and participation guidelines is available through the championship’s website.