Ascend Studios Foundation

Empowering individuals to scale! Ascend Studios Foundation builds capacity, drives economic opportunity, and equips individuals with the tools they need to thrive. Click on our bio for more information. #AscendStudiosFoundation #ACMConference #GTAConference #Tech #creativity #innovation #empowerment #AcademyforWomenEntrepreneurs #CreativeTechnologyProgram #AfricaCreativeMarket #GlobalTechAfrica #ASFCharity #ScienceofTrade

New Venue Alert! 🚨 The Africa Creative Market (@africacreativemarketglobal ) , Creative Industry Business Summit Zambia, and African Philanthropy Forum (@apforg ) present Cocktail at Cannes, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, investors, and cultural changemakers shaping the future of Africa's creative industries on the global stage. At Cannes 2026, some of Africa's most influential voices across the creative economy, business, and philanthropy gather for an evening of connection, conversation, collaboration and strategic partnerships for African. Venue: VILLA DES MINISTRES 21 Avenue Fiesole, 06400, Cannes Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 Time: 17:40 - 19:00 Strictly by invitation. RSVP: [email protected] #AfricaCreativeMarket #ACMCIBS #Cannes2026 #AscendStudiosFoundation #ACM2026

Throwback to the Creative Technology Program (CTP), powered by National Information Technology Development Agency and Ascend Studios Foundation, equipped Nigerians with in-demand skills in Animation, Gaming, and AR which bridged the digital skills gap and unlocked real career opportunities. It served as a pathway to global relevance, innovation, and economic growth. #AscendStudiosFoundation #CreativeTechnologyProgram #empowerment #talentempowerment

The Africa Creative Market (@africacreativemarketglobal ) , Creative Industry Business Summit Zambia, and African Philanthropy Forum (@apforg ) present Cocktail at Cannes, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, investors, and cultural changemakers shaping the future of Africa's creative industries on the global stage. At Cannes 2026, some of Africa's most influential voices across the creative economy, business, and philanthropy gather for an evening of connection, conversation, collaboration and strategic partnerships for African. Friday, May 15, 2026 17:40 - 19:00 Strictly by invitation. RSVP: [email protected] #AfricaCreativeMarket #ACMCIBS #Cannes2026 #AfricanCreatives

Africa is gathering. And Zambia is calling This June and July, Lusaka becomes the meeting point for creativity, commerce, and culture as the Africa Creative Market (ACM) lands in Zambia for its landmark edition. In partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Zambia @mysazambia , and alongside the Creative Industry Business Summit (CIBS) and the Kwimbo National Arts Festival, this is where ideas turn into opportunities, and connections turn into deals. June 29 – July 2, 2026 Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Lusaka July 3 – 4, 2026 Kwimbo National Arts Festival – Polo B, Lusaka Showgrounds Registration: bit.ly/CIBSxACM2026register Be in the room where Africa’s creative future is being shaped. Zambia is ready! @africacreativemarketglobal

The Africa Creative Market is on the move… and this time, all roads lead to Zambia For the first time ever, ACM leaves Lagos to take its flagship event to Lusaka - in a bold step that signals the rise of Zambia as Africa’s next creative and cultural powerhouse. In partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Zambia, and in collaboration with the Creative Industry Business Summit (CIBS) and the Kwimbo National Arts Festival, we are bringing together the full force of Africa’s creative economy - film, music, fashion, gaming, digital media, sports, and more - on one global stage. From high-level policy conversations and investment-driven deal rooms to groundbreaking showcases, live activations, and unforgettable cultural moments, this is where creativity meets business, and where Africa connects to the world. June 29 – July 2, 2026 Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Lusaka July 3 – 4, 2026 Kwimbo National Arts Festival – Polo B, Lusaka Showgrounds Registration: bit.ly/CIBSxACM2026register Creators. Investors. Industry leaders. Governments. Innovators. The future is being built here. @africacreativemarketglobal Zambia is ready. #ACM2026 #AfricaCreativeMarket

Zambia Set to Host Africa’s Most Powerful Gathering of Women in Film, TV and Screen Industries at Africa Creative Market ( @africacreativemarketglobal ) & Creative Industry Business Summit (CIBS) Zambia 2026 Under the theme Creative Convergence, this year’s programme brings together industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and creatives to move beyond dialogue into real opportunity, access, and global positioning. Hosted by Women in Film and TV Africa (@wiftafrica ) in partnership with Women in Film and TV Zambia ( @wiftzambia ) and Women in Film Los Angeles (@womeninfilmla ), the conference continues its rise as the largest and most influential gathering of women in film, television, and screen-based media on the continent. With participation from WIFT Chapters across Africa and globally Theme: Creative Convergence: Where Creativity, Technology & Collaboration Harness Global Greatness Dates July 1 - 4, 2026 Women in Film and TV Africa Conference 2026 featuring Workshops, Women in Film and TV Africa Awards & Gala, Curated Partnership Meetings, Film Screenings and other exclusive evening events June 29 – July 4, 2026 - Africa Creative Market (ACM) and Creative Industry Business Summit (CIBS) Zambia Host Chapter: WIFT Zambia Register: bit.ly/WIFTatACM2026 #WIFTAfrica #WomenInFilmandTV #ACM2026 #AfricaCreativeMarket #zambia

#repost via @thewomeninternational Dr. Inya Lawal is building ecosystems that empower Africa's creatives, entrepreneurs, and future leaders to thrive on a global stage. As the Founder of @ascendglobalstudios and @ascendstudios_foundation , she leads transformative initiatives focused on social, educational, and economic empowerment. Through strategic collaborations with governments, organizations, and corporations, her work continues to shape programs that drive sustainable growth and opportunity across the continent. Her journey began in the creative industry, where she worked closely with some of Africa's most influential actors and storytellers, contributing to a growing movement that positioned African storytelling on the global map. This foundation has evolved into a broader mission, building systems that support creativity, innovation, and enterprise at scale. Dr. Lawal is the driving force behind high-impact platforms such as the Africa Creative Market (ACM), Global Tech Africa (GTA), and the Africa Creative Blueprint (ACB), alongside programs focused on trade, technology, and inclusion. As President of Women in Film and Television Africa, she continues to champion the visibility and advancement of women across the film and television industry. Her commitment to developing Africa's creative economy is further reflected in securing a $1 million grant to train 3,500 creatives in Nigeria. She also serves as a key partner to the U.S. Consulate and the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), equipping women with the tools, networks, and knowledge to build and scale successtul businesses. Recognized globally, she was selected as one of 19 participants for the Fortune Most Powerful Women Mentoring Program, where she was mentored by senior leaders at Goldman Sachs. Through innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to impact, @sarahinyalawal continues to create pathways that empower individuals, strengthen industries, and position Africa as a hub of creativity and opportunity. #TWIUnstoppableWomen #WomenOfImpact #thewomeninternational

Celebrating the women whose influence extends far beyond today. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers and mother figures making a difference every day.  #YDCompany #mothersday #publicrelations #pragencyinlagos

As preparations continue for Africa Creative Market (@africacreativemarketglobal ) 2026 in Zambia, members of the ACM delegation paid a strategic visit to Hon. Mr. Elvis Nkandu, Minister for Youth, Sports and Arts Zambia, to discuss the role of ACM in driving collaboration, innovation, and opportunities for creatives across Africa. The meeting focused on building strong partnerships with the Ministry and aligning efforts to ensure Zambia becomes a vibrant meeting point for the continent’s creative industry in 2026. From Left to Right: •Abel Silungwe (ACM Zambia Partner) •Kola Oshalusi (@kolaoshalusi ) (Founder BOP Conference / Program Partner ACM) •Ms. Ester Ng’ambi (Director Arts – Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts Zambia) •Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi (@yettyd ) (Founder FashionEVO / Program Partner) •Hon. Mr. Elvis Nkandu (Minister of Youth, Sports and Arts Zambia) •Dr. Inya Lawal (@sarahinyalawal ) (Founder ACM) •Naiwa Sithebe (@felicianaiwa ) (Co-founder Actor Spaces South Africa) •Ayanda Sithebe (@ayandasithebe_ ) (Founder Actor Spaces South Africa) •Kangwa Chileshe (Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts Zambia). #AfricaCreativeMarket #ACM2026 #CreativeAfrica #ACMInZambia

At ACM 2023 Music Day, one message echoed across the room, collaboration is the heartbeat of the music industry. Our panelists shared powerful insights on how artists, producers, managers, and innovators must work together to build a thriving ecosystem where creativity grows and opportunities expand for everyone. At Africa Creative Market (@africacreativemarketglobal ) , music is not just entertainment, it is a powerful industry shaping culture, driving innovation, and connecting Africa to the world. As we build towards ACM 2026, the conversations are only getting bigger, deeper, and more impactful for the future of Africa's creative economy. Have you registered yet? Be part of the movement shaping the next chapter of Africa's creative industries. #AfricaCreativeMarket #ACM2026 #CreativeBridge #NigerialnZambia #CreativeEconomy

The journey to #ACM2026 has already begun. Across teams, ideas, and borders, preparations are in motion as we gear up for the next chapter of Africa Creative Market (@africacreativemarketglobal ) - this time in Zambia. From planning powerful conversations to creating opportunities for collaboration across Africa's creative industries, every detail is being carefully put together to deliver an experience that connects creativity, technology, and global opportunities. The countdown has started. Zambia, we're coming. #AfricaCreativeMarket #ACM2026 #CreativeAfrica #ACMInZambia