The 2025 edition of the Africa Creative Market (ACM) wrapped up at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, after four days of conferences, showcases, summits, and cross-sector collaborations that brought together creators, investors, policymakers, and global partners. The event featured major gatherings across film, fashion, music, digital creation, photography, technology, and policy, solidifying ACM as one of Africa’s most influential creative-industry platforms.

A key highlight was the signing of a landmark MOU between ACM Convener Dr. Inya Lawal and Kitale Film Week (Kenya), advancing cross-continental co-production and industry exchange. Reflecting on the impact of the 2025 edition, Dr. Lawal said: “ACM is about building real bridges—connecting Africa’s creative talent to the world through collaboration, innovation, and opportunities that outlive the event.”

From L-R: Bimbo Oloyede, Donna McGowan, Joke Silva, Erelu Bisi, Toke Benson, Rick Swart, Dr. Inya Lawal.

The four-day market also staged the WIFT Africa Awards, the Creative Continuum Africa Summit, NOVUS Art Summit, Business of Photography Conference, FashionEVO Show and Awards, the Digital Creator Africa Summit, the Global Creative Legal Summit, and the ACM Hackathon, where FairPlay won the ₦10 million grand prize. The event closed with the ACM Next Level Finale, crowning Arité as winner of the 2025 music showcase.

ACM 2025 once again underscored the power of creativity as a driver of economic growth, cultural preservation, and global influence for Africa’s creative industries.