Africa’s creator economy is set for another major milestone as Digital Creator Africa (DCA) prepares to host the Digital Creator Africa Summit (DCAS) 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia, this July. The summit, themed “Small Screen, Big Economy,” will bring together creators, investors, technology leaders, policymakers, media executives, and other stakeholders to discuss the future of digital content and creative entrepreneurship across the continent.

The event will be held as part of the Africa Creative Market (ACM), a platform dedicated to promoting Africa’s creative industries and expanding opportunities for creatives. With the formal backing of the Zambian Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, the summit has gained official recognition as a key event within the country’s creative economy agenda.

Scheduled for the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, the gathering is expected to attract approximately 1,000 participants from across Africa and the diaspora. Organisers say the audience will include content creators, brands, industry partners, government representatives, and other players interested in strengthening the continent’s growing digital economy.

The summit builds on the success of DCAS 2025, which took place at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos under the theme “Monetize Your Creativity.” The Lagos edition attracted hundreds of participants and generated widespread interest within the creative industry. One of the event’s major highlights was the announcement of the $500,000 Fourth Mainland Creator Fund by media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, a move that reinforced confidence in Africa’s creator ecosystem.

For the 2026 edition, organisers have unveiled an expanded programme designed to showcase innovation and emerging opportunities. Among the highlights will be a live artificial intelligence filmmaking demonstration by renowned filmmaker and AI artist Malik Afegbua. Participants will also witness the launch of VEX, described as Africa’s first vertical content market, created to support the rapidly growing short-form content sector.

Speaking on the significance of the summit, Convener Ifeoma “Oma” Areh said the event represents a new chapter for Africa’s creative industry. According to her, the continent is no longer waiting for validation from global markets but is actively creating platforms and systems capable of shaping the future of entertainment and digital storytelling.

Handle It Africa founder Olufemi Oguntamu also expressed confidence in the summit’s impact, noting that Zambia’s creative sector is ready to host a gathering that can foster long-term partnerships and industry growth.

DCAS 2026 is a joint initiative of Digital Creator Africa and Handle It Africa, with support from The WildFlower Company, WildPepper Studios, Penzaarville Media, and other partners committed to advancing Africa’s creative economy.