Ethiopia Bets on Creative Economy With Pan-African Festival in Capital

Mintesinot Nigussie

Ethiopia is stepping up efforts to position its creative sector as an economic driver, with Addis Ababa set to host a pan-African festival expected to draw more than 10,000 artists, entrepreneurs and industry professionals. The three-day event, Craft Addis, will run from April 30 to May 1.

The festival will bring together participants from across Africa and beyond for a programme that blends business, technology and the arts. Organisers say it is designed to strengthen market linkages, improve access to finance and create direct commercial opportunities for creators.

The festival is being organised by Zeleman Communications in partnership with the Addis Ababa Tourism Commission and Flawless Events. In a media briefing, organisers framed the initiative as part of a broader push to position Ethiopia as a creative hub within Africa.

“We want to build a platform where creators can engage directly with markets, investors and new technologies shaping the industry,” said Zelalem Woldemariam, founder of Craft Addis and chief executive of Zeleman Communications.

Panel discussions and exhibitions will focus on artificial intelligence, technology and creative production. A “Smart Film” segment will also showcase short films and emerging visual works.

City authorities are preparing for an influx of visitors. Biniam Taye, deputy commissioner at the Addis Ababa Tourism Commission, said accommodation arrangements are under way, alongside plans to deploy open-top buses for guided city tours.

Beyond exhibitions, the festival will provide a marketplace for creators to present and sell their work directly to buyers. High-performing participants are set to be recognised through the “Craft Excellence Award”.

Organisers say the event aims to convene African creatives on a single platform while demonstrating Ethiopia’s capacity to attract talent and investment into its creative economy. The initiative could contribute to job creation and support growth in sectors linked to design, media and digital production.

A headline performance by Mulatu Astatke, widely regarded as the father of Ethio-jazz, is expected as part of a “Legacy Concert”, adding a cultural dimension to the programme.