Africa’s creative economy takes center stage at WITIA 2026 show

The event, organised by Women in Technology and Innovation Africa, will focus on how digital tools, innovation and creative entrepreneurship are reshaping artistic expression, cultural preservation and economic participation across the continent.

Speaking ahead of the event, Susan Auma Mang’eni, Principal Secretary, State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, said creative enterprises remain a key part of Kenya’s MSME ecosystem and require stronger support structures to expand their contribution to the economy.

She said artists, innovators and cultural entrepreneurs need improved access to markets, partnerships and enabling policies to strengthen livelihoods and enhance economic inclusion.

The event will feature discussions on digital storytelling, artificial intelligence in the arts, content creation, innovation and opportunities emerging within Africa’s evolving creative industries.

According to Eunice Pohlmann, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Women in Technology and Innovation Africa, the initiative seeks to bridge technology and the arts by creating a platform where creators can engage with emerging digital tools and new forms of storytelling.

She said the future of Africa’s creative sector will increasingly depend on the ability of creators to combine culture, innovation and technology.

Bella Namango, Advisory Member at Women in Technology and Innovation Africa, noted that technology is changing how societies preserve heritage, communicate ideas and develop creative solutions.

She said collaboration between creatives and innovators could open new opportunities in education, research and sustainable growth within the cultural and creative economy.

Organisers said the event will also include networking sessions aimed at connecting creatives with academic institutions, investors, policymakers and technology players.

Gracie Wamwandu, Fundraising and Partnerships Lead at Women in Technology and Innovation Africa, said partnerships would be central to building inclusive creative spaces and supporting women, youth and emerging talent in the sector.

The event comes amid growing recognition of the creative economy as a contributor to employment, entrepreneurship and digital innovation in Kenya and across Africa, particularly among young people increasingly leveraging online platforms and technology-driven content creation.

Meanwhile, Kenyan content creators could soon have a new way of earning from their work following the unveiling of WasaaChat during the WITIA Creative Show 2026 in Nairobi.

The platform, which is available on both iOS and Android, is positioning itself as a space where creators can build closer relationships with their audiences while receiving direct financial support from fans. 

WasaaChat  seeks to enable creators turn views, likes and followers into reliable income