01
Pan-African dialogue
GCS led the session on the creative economy and the 2030 Agenda, convening delegates from South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique alongside Mpumalanga Fashion Week and Simunye Fest.
GCS 2026 Continental Series
One movement, across the continent.
A Pan-African series of editions through 2026 — culminating in the Global Creative Summit Impact Hub in South Africa.
Edition 01 · Completed
Mozambique
30 July – 1 August 2026 · Maputo · MICMZ
GCS opened the 2026 Continental Series at the inaugural Mozambique Cultural and Creative Industries Market (MICMZ) in Maputo, taking a South African delegation of executives, entrepreneurs and artists into three days of policy dialogue, business matchmaking and live showcases.
The delegation led a Pan-African dialogue on The Creative Economy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with participants from South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique — returning to a theme raised across the floor: that market access remains the single biggest obstacle standing between African creatives and their full potential.
At a glance
- Opening edition · 3 days
- Maputo, Mozambique · MICMZ
- Policy dialogue & matchmaking
- Live showcase at Gil Vicente Theatre
What came out of it
Outcomes from Maputo.
02
Live showcase
South African recording artists Nicholen and Ntunja performed at the Gil Vicente Theatre, putting SA talent in front of a Mozambican audience.
03
Tri-Nation Fashion Showcase
A showcase spanning Mozambique, South Africa and Lesotho was proposed for September 2026 — carrying momentum straight into the Lesotho edition.
04
Venues & touring circuits
Talks opened with The Bassline and Gil Vicente Theatre in Mozambique and Lounge 23:53 in Eswatini on artist exchange and cross-border touring circuits.
From the floor
Maputo, in pictures.
In the press
Coverage of the Mozambique edition.
Showbiz Scope
Global Creative Summit Strengthens Pan-African Market Access Through Strategic Engagement at MICMZ
Read the articleMusic In Africa
Global Creative Summit expands regional partnerships at Mozambique creative industries market
Read the articleImbizo Mag
Global Creative Summit Champions African Market Access at Mozambique Creative Industries Market
Read the article
Edition 02
Lesotho
17 – 19 September 2026 · Kingdom of Lesotho
The second edition brings the platform to the Kingdom of Lesotho — spotlighting creative enterprise, skills and cross-border collaboration.
At a glance
- Edition 02 · 3 days
- Kingdom of Lesotho
- Enterprise & skills focus
Edition 03
Eswatini
22 – 25 October 2026 · Kingdom of Eswatini
The third edition convenes in the Kingdom of Eswatini — deepening continental partnerships ahead of the South African finale.
At a glance
- Edition 03 · 4 days
- Kingdom of Eswatini
- Continental partnerships
Official Feature · Finale
South Africa — GCS Impact Hub
19 – 21 November 2026 · Gauteng, South Africa
The flagship finale: the Global Creative Summit Impact Hub in Gauteng — the year's premier convening for investment, innovation and creative-enterprise development, featuring the Simunye Festival and closing with the IMBRICS Jazz Fest.
Partner Event
Simunye Festival
Featured alongside the finale.
Closing Event
IMBRICS Jazz Fest
Closing celebration of GCS 2026.
Take part