CRAFT Addis 2026 is officially a wrap! Over three extraordinary days, we redefined the African creative economy through innovation, tech, and cultural legacy.
From high-stakes dialogues on AI and creative technology to the vibrant CRAFT Marketplace, we witnessed the power of local talent scaling for a global stage. This landmark event also marked the 20th anniversary of Zeleman, celebrating two decades of creative excellence.
The heartbeat of it all was the historic Mulatu Astatke Legacy Concert. It was a profound honor to manage this tribute to the Father of Ethio-Jazz, bridging our rich heritage with the future of innovation.
The festival has concluded, but the momentum is just beginning. We hope you had an amazing time shaping the future with us!
#CRAFTAddis2026 #CreativeEconomy #Zeleman20 #MulatuAstatke #EthioJazz #AdwaMuseum #zelemancommunications
CRAFT Addis 2026 reached its peak with the historic Mulatu Astatke Legacy Concert. It was a profound honor to host this tribute to the Father of Ethio-Jazz, witnessing his legendary work fill the grand stage at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum.
We hope you had an amazing time experiencing this legendary legacy with us!
#CRAFTAddis2026 #MulatuAstatke #EthioJazz #LegacyConcert #AdwaMuseum
A major highlight from our time at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum was presenting the CRAFT Excellence Award: The Global Amplifier to Africa Creative Agency.
It was an honor to have Colin Gayle, CEO and Founder of ACA, on stage to receive this award. His work continues to amplify African voices and creativity on a global scale, perfectly embodying the spirit of CRAFT Addis 2026.
#CRAFTAddis2026 #CreativeEconomy #TheGlobalAmplifier #AfricaCreativeAgency #ExcellenceAwards AddisAbaba
From Addis to Cannes.
We’re proud to celebrate the selection of our Founder, Zelalem Woldemariam, as a Shortlisting Jury member for the Film Craft Lions at the Cannes Lions 2026 International Festival of Creativity.
This recognition goes beyond a personal milestone; it reflects the growing influence of creative voices from Ethiopia and across Africa in shaping global conversations around storytelling, culture, innovation, and creative excellence.
Congratulations to Zelalem for representing Ethiopia on one of the world’s most influential creative stages.
See the full jury: link in bio
@cannes_lions
#CRAFTAddis #CannesLions2026 #AfricanCreativity #CreativeCulture #FilmCraft
We are deeply honoured to present the Global Catalyst for Creative Growth to Afreximbank. Their purposeful and relentless pursuit to ensure Creative industries are no longer peripheral, but central to Africa’s development, resilience and global influence. The award was received on behalf of the institution by its representative, Zekarias Amsalu.
Through their groundbreaking CANEX Programme, a flagship initiative, launched in 2019, to accelerate the development and monetisation of Africa’s vibrant Creative and Cultural industries, through leveraging the full power of the banks ecosystem from providing financial instruments, services and support, unlocking strategic partnerships and leveraging its influence to address the unique needs of the Creative sector. Thank you Afreximbank. Your work speaks volumes. Congratulations.
The crowd at CRAFT Addis 2026 showed up heavier than expected, and the energy didn’t feel like a regular event day. Conversations were happening everywhere, ideas moving fast, and creativity mixing with real opportunity.
Something about the atmosphere felt like a shift is already happening in Addis’ creative space… so where does it go from here?
Read more about this article on @linkup_premium bio!
#CraftAddis #AddisCreative #AddisArtScene #CreativeEconomyET #FutureOfAddis
What a weekend at Craft Addis! 🔥
Good coffee, great people, and unforgettable moments. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and had a cup🤎
@craft_addis
Reliving the energy from May 1 at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum. We brought together leading minds to discuss the future of Africa's creative economy - turning creativity into revenue through scalable models and job creation.
The Panelists:
Yared Endale – Head of Eastern Africa & Country Manager, Ethiopia, Visa
Marie Lora-Mungai – Founder & CEO, Restless Global
Naima Mclean – VP of Creator Economy, ALX
Moderated by Shani Senbetta – COO, Zeleman Communications
The future is being built now. ✳️
#CRAFTAddis2026 #CreativeEconomy #Innovation #AfricaRising #Zeleman20
A look back at the moments that defined CRAFT Addis
From dynamic showcases to inspiring conversations, creativity was on full display across every space.
D!NK TV brought the experience to life capturing the energy, the talent, and the stories that made it all unforgettable.
#dinktv #CraftAddis2026 #Ethiopia #AfricanCreativity #FestivalVibes
Looking back at the grand opening when CRAFT Addis 2026 officially launched with powerful insights from industry giants. It was a privilege to hear from Zelalem Woldemariam and other distinguished officials and big names whose vision is driving the African creative economy forward.
#CRAFTAddis2026 #CreativeEconomy #Zeleman20 #Innovation #AddisAbaba #GrandOpening
Reliving the evening that started it all during our. An elegant night of connection and celebration as we kicked off the CRAFT movement at the National Palace.
#CRAFTAddis2026 #CreativeEconomy #Networking #Zeleman20 #AddisAbaba
