TIA Africa – Curated Events Report (March–June 2026)

Verified high-quality cultural, fashion, music, business, and diaspora events from Africa and the global African diaspora.

Africa Diaspora Summit 2026

Event Type: Diaspora Business Summit Primary Theme: Diaspora

City: Nairobi Country: Kenya Venue: Nairobi (Venue TBA) Start Date: 2026-03-02 End Date: 2026-03-04 Audience Type: Diaspora (global African diaspora and partners) Event Description: A three-day summit aiming to bridge the gap between the African diaspora and opportunities on the continent[1]. Through forums on business, entrepreneurship and cultural exchange, the event informs and empowers diaspora Africans with firsthand insights into East African markets[2]. Workshops highlight thriving sectors (from property to tech) and success stories of diaspora returnees, fostering collaboration for relocation, investment, and cultural integration. Why It Matters: It strengthens links between Africa and its global diaspora, turning brain drain into “brain gain.” By equipping diaspora communities with accurate knowledge and networks, the summit catalyzes investment, entrepreneurship and repatriation that can boost African economies and foster cultural understanding between continents. Official Website: Africa Diaspora Summit 2026 Page Primary Social Link: Twitter (Corporate Africa)  

Africa Sourcing & Fashion Week (ASFW) Nairobi 2026

Event Type: Trade Expo & Fashion Week Primary Theme: Fashion

City: Nairobi Country: Kenya Venue: Sarit Expo Centre Start Date: 2026-04-30 End Date: 2026-05-02 Audience Type: Industry-Specific (Fashion & Textile) Event Description: ASFW Nairobi has become East and Central Africa’s most internationally attended fashion sourcing event[6]. With exhibitors from over 30 countries, it combines runway showcases, trade exhibitions, and business matchmaking[7]. The event highlights sustainability, textile innovation, and leather craftsmanship, aiming to integrate African suppliers into the global fashion supply chain[8]. Why It Matters: It strengthens Africa’s position in the global fashion supply chain[9] by fostering international partnerships and showcasing the continent’s manufacturing potential. ASFW Nairobi’s success signals growing investor interest in Africa’s fashion industry and encourages knowledge exchange that elevates local design and production standards. Official Website: ASFW Nairobi Official Site Primary Social Link: Instagram (@asfw_nairobi)

Homecoming Festival 2026

Event Type: Cultural Festival (Music, Art, Fashion) Primary Theme: Culture

City: Lagos Country: Nigeria Venue: Various venues across Lagos Start Date: 2026-04-02 End Date: 2026-04-06 Audience Type: International (diaspora and local audiences) Event Description: Homecoming returns for its annual multi-day celebration in Lagos, merging live concerts, fashion pop-ups, street art, and sports events[10]. The festival, founded to reconnect global African diaspora talent with the continent[11], features international artists alongside Nigeria’s rising stars. Across venues citywide, attendees experience a vibrant mix of music performances, design markets, and cultural showcases that highlight Lagos as a creative capital. Why It Matters: Homecoming has become a symbol of African diasporic exchange and youth-culture renaissance. By drawing creators and audiences from Africa and abroad, it bolsters Nigeria’s cultural economy and global influence. The festival’s collaborative platform also empowers local entrepreneurs and artists, illustrating how diaspora engagement can spur innovation and pride in contemporary African culture. Official Website: Homecoming Official Site Primary Social Link: Instagram (@ourhomecoming)

Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2026

Event Type: Music Festival Primary Theme: Music

City: Cape Town Country: South Africa Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre Start Date: 2026-03-27 End Date: 2026-03-28 Audience Type: International (Jazz & music fans) Event Description: Billed as “Africa’s Grandest Gathering,” this two-night festival showcases acclaimed jazz and fusion artists from across Africa and the world[12]. Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the event features multiple stages and a lineup ranging from African jazz legends to global stars. Beyond the concerts, it includes educational workshops and gala events, drawing thousands of attendees and media for a vibrant celebration of music and Cape Town’s culture. Why It Matters: As one of Africa’s largest music festivals, it elevates the continent’s presence on the global jazz scene and stimulates cultural tourism in South Africa. The festival provides a platform for African musicians to collaborate with international peers, preserving and innovating jazz traditions. Its economic impact and reputation underscore the value of Africa-hosted world-class cultural events. Official Website: Cape Town Jazz Festival Site Primary Social Link: Instagram (@capetowninternationaljazzfest)

MTN Bushfire Festival 2026

Event Type: Music & Arts Festival Primary Theme: Music

City: Malkerns Country: Eswatini Venue: House on Fire (Malkerns) Start Date: 2026-05-29 End Date: 2026-05-31 Audience Type: International (festivalgoers worldwide) Event Description: MTN Bushfire is one of Africa’s most celebrated music and arts festivals, held in an eclectic outdoor venue in the Ezulwini valley of Eswatini[13]. The three-day event draws over 20,000 attendees to enjoy a diverse lineup of African and international artists, spanning genres from traditional rhythms to electronic dance music[14]. Alongside performances on multiple stages, the festival offers drumming workshops, craft markets, poetry slams, and family-friendly activities, all imbued with a spirit of unity and social responsibility. Why It Matters: Bushfire has earned global accolades for its unique blend of culture and social impact. It puts Eswatini on the cultural tourism map and exemplifies how festivals can drive positive change: its “Bring Your Fire” ethos encourages collective action for social and environmental causes[15]. By uniting diverse audiences around music and community, Bushfire strengthens cultural pride and pan-African solidarity. Official Website: MTN Bushfire Official Site Primary Social Link: Instagram (@mtnbushfire)

Africa Oyé Festival 2026

Event Type: Music & Culture Festival Primary Theme: Music

City: Liverpool Country: United Kingdom Venue: Sefton Park, Liverpool Start Date: 2026-06-20 End Date: 2026-06-21 Audience Type: Diaspora & International (all ages) Event Description: Africa Oyé is the UK’s largest festival celebrating African and Caribbean music and culture[16]. Since its start in 1992, it has grown into a massive open-air event in Liverpool’s Sefton Park, featuring an eclectic program of live performances by internationally acclaimed artists and emerging talent[17][18]. Festival-goers also enjoy DJs, dance and drumming workshops, global cuisine, and artisan markets in a family-friendly atmosphere that champions unity and diversity. Why It Matters: As a premier diaspora festival, Africa Oyé plays a vital role in showcasing African culture in Europe. It provides an important platform for African musicians on the international stage and fosters cross-cultural understanding in the UK[17]. The festival’s longevity and growth reflect the influence of the African diaspora in shaping Britain’s cultural landscape and the continued appetite for authentic African experiences abroad. Official Website: Africa Oyé Official Site Primary Social Link: Instagram (@africaoye)

New York African Film Festival 2026

Event Type: Film Festival Primary Theme: Culture

City: New York City Country: United States Venue: Lincoln Center, NYC Start Date: 2026-05-06 End Date: 2026-05-12 Audience Type: Diaspora & International (film enthusiasts) Event Description: Marking its 33rd edition, the New York African Film Festival is a pioneering showcase of films from Africa and the diaspora[19]. Held at Lincoln Center, the festival presents a curated selection of contemporary features, classic films, and shorts that highlight the breadth of African storytelling. It includes panel discussions and director Q&As, attracting filmmakers, diaspora communities, and cinephiles to celebrate African cinema’s creativity and perspectives. Why It Matters: Launched in 1993, NYAFF has been instrumental in bringing African and diasporic voices to American audiences[19]. It has broadened the global appreciation of African cinema and provided a springboard for African filmmakers internationally. By fostering dialogue around the narratives and themes of the films, the festival strengthens cultural bridges and challenges stereotypes, enriching the discourse on Africa in the global arts scene. Official Website: NY African Film Festival Site Primary Social Link: Instagram (@africanfilmfest)

Africa CEO Forum 2026

Event Type: Business Summit Primary Theme: Business

City: Kigali Country: Rwanda Venue: Kigali Convention Centre Start Date: 2026-05-14 End Date: 2026-05-15 Audience Type: International (industry leaders & investors) Event Description: The Africa CEO Forum is the continent’s leading annual gathering of high-level business and finance leaders[20]. The 2026 edition in Kigali will convene 2,800+ CEOs, investors, government officials, and policymakers from across Africa and globally[20]. Over two days of panels, workshops, and networking sessions at the Kigali Convention Centre, participants will tackle Africa’s economic priorities – from investment and industrialization to innovation and the AfCFTA – forging partnerships and strategies to drive inclusive growth. Why It Matters: This forum serves as a barometer for Africa’s business climate and a catalyst for deals and initiatives. By bringing together influential decision-makers, it helps shape policy agendas and corporate strategies aligned with Africa’s development goals. The 2026 summit in Rwanda underscores East Africa’s emergence as a business hub and highlights a collective commitment to advancing the continent’s economic potential in a global context. Official Website: Africa CEO Forum Site Primary Social Link: Twitter (@africaceoforum)

GITEX Africa 2026

Event Type: Technology Expo & Conference Primary Theme: Tech

City: Marrakech Country: Morocco Venue: Marrakech (Venue TBA) Start Date: 2026-04-07 End Date: 2026-04-09 Audience Type: International (tech industry & innovators) Event Description: GITEX Africa is the continent’s largest technology and startup event, drawing innovators, investors, corporate leaders, and governments from around the world[21][22]. Hosted in Marrakech, the expo features hundreds of exhibitors across sectors like AI, fintech, e-commerce, telecoms, and smart cities. The 2026 edition will showcase Africa’s booming startup ecosystem – including pitch competitions and investor matchmaking – alongside a conference where industry visionaries discuss trends and solutions shaping Africa’s digital future. Why It Matters: As Africa’s premier tech showcase, GITEX Africa highlights the continent’s rapid digital transformation and attracts global investment into African tech markets[23]. It provides a platform for African startups to connect with international capital and partners, accelerating innovation and job creation. The event’s high profile also helps shift narratives about Africa, positioning it as a rising hub for technological advancement and entrepreneurship. Official Website: GITEX Africa Official Site Primary Social Link: Instagram (@gitexafrica)  

[1] [2] 1st Africa Diaspora Summit – Africa Diaspora

https://africadiaspora.africa/1st-africa-diaspora-summit/ [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] African Fashion Shows to Watch in 2026 – INVOGUE AFRICA https://invogue.com.ng/2026/01/13/https-invogue-com-ng-african-fashion-shows-to-watch-in-2026-african-fashion-shows-to-watch-in-2026/ [10] Homecoming Lagos 2026 • April 2nd – 6th https://africanstays.com/event/homecoming-festival-lagos-nigeria/ [11] Homecoming Festival Ushers in New Era for Nigeria’s Creative Scene | OkayAfrica https://www.okayafrica.com/homecoming-festival-has-ushered-in-a-new-era-for-nigerias-creative-scene/228439 [12] Cape Town International Jazz Festival – Travel | Wesgro https://www.wesgro.co.za/travel/events/cape-town-international-jazz-festival-3 [13] [14] [15] Bushfire Festival: Everything you need to know | six-two by Contiki https://www.contiki.com/six-two/article/bushfire-festival-guide/ [16] Oh nothing…just @kingpalutamusic delivering per usual! King … https://www.instagram.com/p/DTQ2hwKjyHb/ [17] [18] Africa Oyé Festival 2026 – Culture Liverpool https://cultureliverpool.co.uk/events/africa-oye-festival-2026/ [19] New York African Film Festival 2026 https://www.filmlinc.org/festivals/new-york-african-film-festival/ [20] Kigali – 14 & 15 May 2026 – The Africa CEO Forum https://www.theafricaceoforum.com/forum-2026/en/ [21] GITEX AFRICA (@gitexafrica) · Marrakech, Morocco – Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gitexafrica/ [22] Registration is now OPEN for @gitexafrica 2026; Africa’s largest tech … https://www.instagram.com/p/DTR7cIeF3Sv/ [23] Marrakech: GITEX AFRICA 2026 – Financial Afrik https://www.financialafrik.com/en/event/marrakech-gitex-africa-2026/