By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
BLACKWEEK, the United States–born economic forum and cultural festival for brands, creators and business leaders, announced that it has been selected to host the inaugural BLACKWEEK Africa, taking place in November 2026.
The announcement was made at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg.
The inaugural edition of BLACKWEEK Africa will convene creators, innovators, business leaders and cultural visionaries from across Africa and the global diaspora for a dynamic program of conversations, exhibitions, performances, and immersive cultural experiences.
The event will provide a platform for African creatives and entrepreneurs to connect with international markets while celebrating the continent’s cultural influence on global commerce and creativity
“Expanding to Africa is more than growth — it is a homecoming,” said Monique Nelson, executive chair of UWG INC. and co-founder of BLACKWEEK.
“BLACKWEEK Africa is about connecting the diaspora, building bridges among Black and Brown communities shaping culture on the continent and across the world, and ensuring our collective creativity drives lasting impact globally, “she said.
“BLACKWEEK aligns deeply with our purpose of mobilising Nelson Mandela’s legacy in service of just societies,” said Mbongiseni Buthelezi, PhD, chief executive officer of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
“Madiba understood that justice is lived in people’s economic realities, in their opportunities, and in their ability to participate fully in society. BLACKWEEK is not only an economic forum or cultural festival. It is a space that honours creative power, collective voice, and the agency of communities to shape their own futures. Bringing an African leg to Johannesburg recognises Africa as a global centre of creativity, innovation, and cultural influence,” he added.
UWG INC., the longest-standing multicultural advertising agency in the United States, with reach in Canada and Africa, will serve as the host company for BLACKWEEK Africa.