AFRIMA: Stakeholders unlock financing opportunities in music business

Stakeholders in the music industry are gearing up for the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS), a key event of the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). The summit scheduled to hold Thursday, January 8, 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, is expected to bring together artistes, music executives, investors, policymakers and media professionals to discuss how Africa […]

Stakeholders in the music industry are gearing up for the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS), a key event of the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

The summit scheduled to hold Thursday, January 8, 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, is expected to bring together artistes, music executives, investors, policymakers and media professionals to discuss how Africa can grow, protect and profit from its expanding music industry.

The theme of this year’s summit, “Connect, Build, Own: Monetising Africa’s Music Revolution,” reflects AFRIMA’s focus on turning creativity into long-term economic value.

The summit will be hosted by award-winning international broadcaster and CNN African Voices Changemakers host, Larry Madowo, with popular television host and actor Mojibade Sosanya serving as co-host.

Experienced professionals, including Landry Gnamba from Cote d’Ivoire, Nde Ndifonka from Cameroon and Victoria Nkong from Nigeria will moderate panel discussions. The keynote address will be delivered by the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Anna Westerholm.

Several respected voices in music, media, law and policy will also speak at the summit. Confirmed speakers include CEO of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Sipho Dlamini; Morocco’s Karima Damir of Universal Music, MENA region; a music executive from Ghana, Francis Doku;a music publisher and international music rights advisor from Morocco, Mustapha Ettouil; Georg Heritlitz from Sweden; the Founder, Storm Records Olisa Adibua; and a music executive and Founder of Plug Entertainment, Bizzle Oshikoya.

Others are superstars, legendary Congolese artiste, Kofi Olomide; Nigerian producer, singer, and record executive, ID Cabassa;  Innoss B from DR Congo; Tanzanian star, Juma Jux; Ghana’s dancehall crooner, Stonebwoy; and Ivorian rapper Didi B, among others.

One of the early sessions will focus on building creative economy infrastructure for revenue. Panelists will examine the policies, systems and platforms needed to turn musical talent into steady income.

Speaking ahead of the summit, the President and the Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mike Dada, said the Africa Music Business Summit has become a critical platform for shaping the future of African music.

“African music is one of the continent’s strongest cultural exports today, but talent alone is not enough. The Africa Music Business Summit is designed to help African creatives and industry players understand ownership, structure and sustainability, so they can fully benefit from the value they create,” he said.