The 14th edition of the African Performing Arts Market (MASA), scheduled from April 11 to 18, 2026, at the Palais de la Culture in Treichville, under the theme: "African Performing Arts: Tools for Economic and Social Integration in Africa," was officially launched by the Minister of Culture and Francophonie, Françoise Remarck.
The event, which will host 120 artistic groups, was inaugurated on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Abidjan Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire, in the presence of the Minister of Infrastructure and Road Maintenance, Hien Yacouba Sié, the Minister of Tourism and Leisure, Siandou Fofana, the Deputy Minister in charge of Technical Education, Jean-Louis Moulot, MASA Director Abou Kamaté, and key figures from the cultural and artistic sectors.
"MASA embodies a strong vision: that of structured, professional African cultural industries, open to the world while remaining deeply rooted in our Ivorian and African cultural identities," Françoise Remarck stated.
According to the minister, "Over the years, MASA has established itself as the leading African event dedicated to performing arts."
"MASA has become our hallmark. It provides a space for professional meetings and international exchanges, a platform for the circulation of works and the signing of strategic partnerships, and a popular festival deployed across the communes of the Abidjan District, bringing art closer to the people," she emphasized.
Outlining the main features of this major cultural event, MASA Director General Abou Kamaté announced that the 14th edition will feature around 120 artistic groups across several disciplines, including street arts, circus, puppetry, storytelling, dance, comedy, music, slam, and theater.
"This edition aims to bring together more than 2,000 artists, hundreds of performances, and nearly 500,000 visitors. It will place special emphasis on youth through educational workshops, children’s shows, and a contest for young African content creators. The Henriette Dagri Diabaté Excellence Award will, for the second time, honor the best female group," he added.
According to Abou Kamaté, MASA rests on two essential pillars: the MASA Market, a space for professional encounters, and the MASA Festival, a true artistic showcase open to the public.
Beyond performances, MASA will also host conferences, panels, and B2B meetings aimed at transforming creativity into tangible opportunities. More than 150 international programmers from approximately 50 countries have already confirmed their participation.
MASA will offer a dedicated MASA TV platform and a mobile application to allow the public to experience the event in real time. Stages will be set up in several Abidjan communes. The Palais de la Culture in Treichville will feature thematic villages: a technology innovation village, a gastronomy and craft village, an urban culture village, a children’s village called "MASA Fitini," professional spaces, and showcases.
For this edition, Morocco is the Guest of Honor, and Brazil is the Special Guest Country.
It should be noted that MASA takes place every two years.