The 14th edition of the African Performing Arts Market (MASA) will take place from April 11 to 18, 2026, at the Palais de la Culture in Treichville, Abidjan. This year’s edition will focus on the theme: “Performing Arts in Africa: A Tool for Economic and Social Integration.”

MASA 2026 is expected to welcome over 800 artists, 400 journalists, 500 cultural professionals, and numerous international institutions. The event aims to showcase African creativity, foster professional networking, and create opportunities for collaboration across the continent and beyond.

The festival will include a professional market, a public festival, as well as panels, workshops, and networking sessions. Stages will be set up in several districts of Abidjan to bring performances closer to the community, while thematic villages will highlight technological innovation, gastronomy, urban cultures, and activities for children.

For this edition, Morocco is the guest of honor and Brazil the special guest country, emphasizing MASA’s international scope. Around 60 African artists and groups have been selected for the MASA Market, and 39 for the MASA Festival, covering a wide range of artistic disciplines, from music and dance to theater, street arts, and storytelling.

MASA has become a key platform for African performing arts, offering visibility to artists, facilitating professional exchanges, and supporting the growth of structured, high-quality cultural industries across the continent.

The 14th edition promises to be a major celebration of African creativity, combining tradition, innovation, and international collaboration.