Abidjan will host the 14th edition of MASA, the Market for African Performing Arts, from April 11 to 18, 2026. Far more than a festival, the event has become a strategic platform bringing together artists, producers, programmers, cultural managers and investors from Africa, Europe and beyond.

Founded in 1993, MASA has evolved into a key meeting point for Africa’s cultural and creative industries. The 2026 edition highlights the role of the performing arts as a driver of economic and social integration across the continent. Music, dance, theatre, slam, comedy, storytelling, street arts and circus performances will feature, with more than one hundred artistic groups expected from numerous countries.

At the same time, MASA functions as a structured professional market. In addition to performances, the program includes business-to-business meetings, expert panels, workshops and forums. The objective is to foster international partnerships, facilitate touring opportunities and promote sustainable business models within the cultural sector.

For European stakeholders, particularly from German-speaking countries, MASA 2026 offers direct access to a rapidly expanding African cultural market. West Africa has one of the youngest populations in the world and a fast-growing creative scene. Cultural and creative industries are increasingly recognized as drivers of employment, innovation and economic diversification.

Côte d’Ivoire, which has recorded steady economic growth in recent years, is positioning Abidjan as a regional cultural and economic hub. MASA plays a central role in strengthening this image by attracting international professionals, media and institutions seeking new talent and emerging markets.

Beyond its artistic dimension, MASA reflects a broader transformation: African countries are increasingly investing in the value of their creative and cultural capital. For festivals, production companies, cultural institutions and investors in Europe, the event provides concrete opportunities for collaboration with a structured and ambitious creative ecosystem.

In April 2026, Abidjan will not only serve as a stage for African arts but also as an international crossroads for the continent’s creative economy.