Africa Rising Music Conference Expands with Focus Countries and International Delegations for 2026 Edition
The Africa Rising Music Conference will return to Johannesburg on 22–23 May 2026 for its sixth edition with new focus countries and expanded global participation.
The 2026 edition will mark the first time that Australia and Uganda are featured as official focus countries. Both will bring curated delegations of artists, executives and cultural leaders into the programme. The Ugandan delegation is led by the Amplify Ugandan Music Expo, building on connections developed at previous editions, while Australia’s inclusion reflects ARMC’s growing links beyond the African continent.
Further international participation includes delegates from the United Kingdom, supported by the PRS Foundation, alongside representatives from Germany, the United States and Sweden. This continued expansion reinforces ARMC’s position as a platform for cross-continental collaboration and exchange within the global music industry.
New strategic partnerships for 2026 include the Southern African Music Rights Organisation, supporting the conference’s ongoing focus on industry development and rights management across the region.
The speaker programme reflects this international outlook, with newly announced participants including TRESOR, alongside Janesh, Hitboss SA and Brenda Mtambo. The lineup brings together a range of voices from across the African music landscape, spanning songwriting, production and cultural entrepreneurship.
In addition to its conference programming, ARMC has introduced a Community Access Pledge in partnership with organisations including Bridges for Music, shesaid.so South Africa, The Cradle Crew and BTCH$ LUV. The initiative enables brands and organisations to donate tickets, which are then distributed to emerging artists and entrepreneurs who may not otherwise be able to attend.
Additional speakers and programme details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with Phase 2 tickets currently available at here
