Craft Addis Opens as Ethiopia Promotes Art-Led Economic Activity

Mintesinot Niggusie

Craft Addis, a festival focused on the business of creativity, opened on May 1, 2026 at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, as Ethiopia seeks to turn its cultural output into economic value.

The three-day event, which runs from April 30 to May 2, brings together artists, designers, technologists and investors, with an emphasis on linking creative work to markets and capital. Its organisers present it as a platform to move African creativity beyond exhibition and towards commercialisation.

Zelalem Woldemariam, founder of the festival and chief executive of Zeleman Communications, said the initiative builds on efforts to help creatives develop market-ready products. He said the festival could offer local producers greater visibility in African and international markets, while facilitating business connections.

The organisers say the initiative could also expand employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people active in creative industries. Zelalem Woldemariam said the platform builds on ongoing work to convert creative ideas into business ventures, while offering exposure to investors and partners.

He added that expanding the creative economy could open employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people engaged in the sector.

Hunda Kebede, commissioner of the Addis Ababa Tourism Commission, said integrating creative production with investment could stimulate activity in cultural tourism and support the city's ambitions to become a continental hub.

The Ministry of Tourism indicated that the programme reflects a policy shift that gives greater attention to art-based tourism. In a message delivered at the opening, State Minister Sileshi Girma said such platforms could help promote cultural assets and creative works beyond domestic markets, adding that the ministry would continue to support efforts to bring creative products to market.