African music’s evolution from cultural expression to global economic force will take centre stage in Lagos as industry leaders, artistes, policymakers and investors converge for the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS), a key event of the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
The summit themed, “Connect, Build, Own: Monetising Africa’s Music Revolution,” is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (WAT) at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.
reflects AFRIMA’s focus on turning creativity into long-term economic value. Discussions will centre on ownership, infrastructure, media, financing and building a strong music value chain across Africa.
Although, admission is free, registration on www.afrima.org is mandatory, the organisers have announced.
The summit will be hosted by CNN African Voices Changemakers host and award-winning journalist Larry Madowo, alongside television host and actor Mojibade Sosanya.
Panel sessions will be moderated by seasoned professionals including Landry Gnamba (Côte d’Ivoire), Nde Ndifonka (Cameroon) and Victoria Nkong (Nigeria).
The keynote address will be delivered by the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Anna Westerholm.
A strong lineup of global and African industry figures is expected, including CEO of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Sipho Dlamini; Universal Music MENA executive Karima Damir; Ghanaian music executive Francis Doku; international music rights advisor Mustapha Ettouil; Sweden’s Georg Heritlitz; Storm Records founder Olisa Adibua; and Nigerian entertainment executive Bizzle Oshikoya.
Also confirmed are legendary Nigerian producer and record executive ID Cabasa, Congolese star Innoss’B, Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, Ghanaian dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy, and Ivorian rapper Didi B, among others.
Key sessions will explore building creative economy infrastructure that can convert talent into steady revenue, with a major panel focusing on ownership, rights protection, branding and monetisation strategies. Another session, “Recipe for Global Stardom,” will examine what it takes for African artistes to succeed internationally, from talent development to touring, distribution and sustainable career building.
The role of media will be discussed in a session titled “Global Media and Music: The Missing Link for Africa,” which will examine how storytelling, exposure and international partnerships can unlock new markets. Financing will also take centre stage during a fireside chat focused on funding models, access to capital and scaling creative businesses.
Speaking ahead of the event, AFRIMA Co-Producer and Director, Mike Strano, described the summit as a critical platform for shaping the continent’s music future.
“African music is one of the continent’s strongest cultural exports today, but talent alone is not enough,” Strano said. “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.”