FAME Week Africa and Pressure Cooker Studios Launch Songwriting Camp Connecting African Music Makers with the Content Industry
FAME Week Africa and Pressure Cooker Studios are joining forces to launch the FAME Week Africa × Pressure Cooker Studios Songwriting Camp 2026, a three-day creative initiative designed to connect African music makers directly with filmmakers, directors, production companies, brands, agencies and content creators looking for original music.
Under the banner “You Bring the Story. We’ll Bring the Sound,” the Songwriting Camp will take place from 25–27 October 2026, immediately ahead of FAME Week Africa in Cape Town.
At the heart of the initiative is a simple idea: real briefs, real music, created by real African talent.
Rather than creating music in isolation and hoping it eventually finds the right project, the camp begins with the stories themselves. FAME Week Africa’s creative community is being invited to submit genuine projects that could benefit from an original piece of music.
FROM BRIEF TO MUSIC
Filmmakers, directors, documentary makers, agencies, brands, production companies and content creators are invited to submit a creative brief outlining their project, the emotion they want to create and where music fits within their story.
From the submissions, three to six briefs will be selected and paired with curated music teams comprising South African producers, composers and musicians working alongside Pressure Cooker Studios. During the three-day camp, those teams will transform the selected briefs into original, sync-ready music demos.
Selected participants will then have an opportunity to hear the music, receive demos and stems to test within their edits, and decide whether the music is right for their project.
There is no cost to submit a brief, and if your project is selected, you’ll receive original music created specifically for your brief at no cost, with no obligation to use it. If you choose to use the track commercially, you’ll have the opportunity to license it at applicable production music rates, with optional exclusivity available.
CREATING NEW CONNECTIONS
The collaboration reflects FAME Week Africa’s continued drive to break down silos between the continent’s creative sectors and create tangible opportunities for collaboration.
“One of the things we want FAME Week Africa to do is create real opportunities for different parts of the creative industries to work together. Music is such a powerful part of storytelling, yet filmmakers and music creators don’t always have the opportunity to connect early enough in the creative process. This collaboration with Pressure Cooker Studios changes that. We’re bringing the story and the sound into the same room, working from real briefs and giving African creatives an opportunity to build relationships that can continue long after the camp ends,” says Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director of FAME Week Africa.
“There is incredible musical talent across Africa, and equally exciting stories being developed across film, television, advertising and digital content. This camp is about connecting those two worlds in a practical way. Instead of writing music and hoping it eventually finds a home, our teams will be responding to real stories, real characters and real creative briefs. We’re excited to see what happens when talented music makers are given the opportunity to create specifically for the stories coming out of the FAME Week Africa community, says Katryn Nieuwoudt, Music Catalogue & Publishing Lead: Pressure Cooker Studios”
The Songwriting Camp also gives filmmakers and content creators direct access to the expertise and infrastructure of Pressure Cooker Studios, a Cape Town-based music and audio studio whose capabilities span original music composition, sound design, final mix, ADR, Foley and music supervision. The studio operates from a 720m² facility that includes Dolby Atmos theatres, a Foley stage, recording and control rooms, and dedicated composition and audio-edit suites.
For the music makers involved, the camp creates an opportunity to respond to actual content briefs and build relationships with the people commissioning and creating work across film, television, advertising and digital media.
It is also deliberately a development platform rather than a commissioning service. The aim is to give both sides the freedom to experiment, collaborate and discover what can happen when a story and the right sound find each other.
WHO SHOULD SUBMIT?
The call is open to agencies and brands, filmmakers and directors, documentary makers, production companies and content creators, including those developing passion projects. Participants retain all rights to their own projects and materials throughout the process. The camp is exclusive to the FAME Week Africa community.
BRING US YOUR STORY
Have a film, series, documentary, campaign or piece of content that needs an original sound? This is your opportunity to hear what African music makers could create for it.
Submitting is free. Selected projects will be matched with a curated creative team and developed during the FAME Week Africa × Pressure Cooker Studios Songwriting Camp from 25–27 October 2026.
Comic Con Africa with Capitec brings both local and international celebrities to the Johannesburg Highveld. The con takes place from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September (the Heritage Day long weekend) from 9am to 6pm daily. Here is a recap of all the epic actors and voice actors from the best games, films, and series shows the world has to offer – including the days they’ll be at the con, and more information on how fans could even get the chance to meet them personally and have them sign memorabilia.
Activities With the Stars
Celebs at Comic Con Africa offer multiple exciting activities at the con.
For all con-goers:
Live sessions on stage: on each day that the celebs are at the con, they take place in live interviews and Q&A sessions on the Main Stage. During these sessions, a Comic Con host chats to the celeb about their careers and experiences behind-the-scenes, and then fans are invited to personally ask their questions which the star answers live on stage. It is an opportunity for a few lucky fans themselves to ask burning questions about their performances, careers, shows, and films. That means that if you get a turn on the mic, your favourite celeb will hear you ask the question yourself! Get to the stage early to secure your space. This chance is open to all con attendees.
Limited opportunities with additional ticket purchases (available on Howler):
Photograph opportunities: with an additional ticket purchase, a Photo Op secures fans a photograph with the celeb. A professional photographer shoots the photograph with studio lighting, which is then printed with high quality printers on site. The photo is also provided as a digital copy.
Autograph sessions: with an additional ticket purchase, con-goers are able to spend a couple of minutes in person with the actor of their choice in an Autograph Opportunity. They can bring their own personal show memorabilia that the celeb will sign, or the con offers professional photos of the celeb for the fan to have signed and take home. Autograph sessions are slightly longer than photo ops.
Here are all the talent that con-goers can see at Comic Con Africa 2026.
Christopher Judge, Actor and Voice Actor
Appearing Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September.
Key performances: Kratos in God of War, Teal’c in Stargate SG1
Renowned actor and voice artist Christopher Judge has enjoyed an illustrious career in tv series from Sci-Fi to comedy, as well as bringing to life the pivotal character Kratos in the epic video game God of War, a game which received over a dozen game of the year awards when it was released in 2018. For the sequel God of War Ragnarök, Christopher won two prestigious best performance awards, and today, Kratos is considered one of the most recognisable characters in gaming history. Christpher’s best-known performance in television so far was for his iconic portrayal of Teal’c in Stargate SG-1, and he appeared in more episodes in the series than any other cast member. Other shows he has appeared in include the iconic MacGyver, the 90’s classic sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Sirens. He also voiced Magneto in the animated television series X-Men: Evolution, based on the Marvel Comics series. The Daytime Emmy Awards-winning series ran for four seasons.
Richard T Jones, Actor
Appearing Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September
Key performances: Wade Grey in The Rookie
Acclaimed American actor Richard T Jones began acting in the 90s, with roles in series like NYPD Blue, Courthouse, Dangerous Minds, and Brooklyn South. In the 2000s Richard appeared in Ally McBeal, Judging Amy, and Girlfriends. He also acted James Ellison in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.After appearances in Bones and Grey’s Anatomy, Richard acted as Governor Samuel “Sam” Denning in Hawaii Five-O, a show which was nominated for multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, and won at the People’s Choice Awards. He also took on the character of Detective Andrew Hahn in American Horror Story: Hotel. From 2018 to the present, Richard has been a member of the main cast of The Rookie as Police Sergeant Wade Grey. The show has been nominated for six Primetime Emmy Awards.
Ian Cardoni, Voice Actor
Appearing Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September
Key performances: Rick Sanchez in Rick & Morty
Born and raised just outside of Boston, Ian Cardoni currently stars in Adult Swim’s two-time Emmy Award-winning animated comedy series Rick and Morty as the titular character Rick Sanchez. Cardoni stepped into the iconic role at the start of season 7, with Season 9 currently airing on Adult Swim and another three seasons already planned. Cardoni has voiced numerous roles across adult and children’s animation, video games, TV promos, and commercials, including recent roles in the Children’s & Family Emmy-nominated and Annie Award-nominated Nickelodeon series Rock, Paper, Scissors, in Fox’s animated series Krapopolis, and in the Sony Pictures Classic film Scarlet from Academy Award-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda. In the video game space, Cardoni has voiced roles across various critically-acclaimed titles, including DC: Dark Legion by Warner Brothers Games, CookieRun: The Darkest Night by Devsisters, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 & 4 by Iron Galaxy, and he reprised his Rick and Morty role of Rick Sanchez in the chart-topping game MultiVersus from Warner Brothers Games which has received multiple Game Awards nominations. Most recently, Cardoni can be heard as the villain Magrus in third-person action game Romeo is a Dead Man by Grasshopper Manufacture and legendary developer Suda51, which released in February 2026.
Harry Belden, Actor and Voice Actor
Appearing Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September
Key performances: Morty Smith in Rick & Morty
Harry Belden is an American actor and voice actor best known for voicing Morty Smith in the Emmy Award-winning animated series Rick and Morty since 2023. Beginning his acting career at a young age, Belden has built a diverse portfolio spanning television, film, theatre, and voiceover work. His natural comedic timing, emotional range, and distinctive vocal performances have earned him recognition among audiences and industry professionals alike. As the voice of one of animation’s most beloved characters, Belden continues to bring humour, heart, and authenticity to projects across entertainment media.
Spencer Grammer, Actor and Voice Actor
Appearing Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September
Key performances: Summer Smith in Rick & Morty
Spencer Grammer is an American actress best known for voicing Summer Smith in the Emmy Award-winning animated series Rick and Morty. With a career spanning television, film, and voice acting, she has earned recognition for her versatility and engaging performances across a variety of genres. Grammer first gained widespread attention for her role as Casey Cartwright on the hit comedy-drama series Greek and has since appeared in numerous television and film projects. As the voice of Summer Smith, she has helped bring one of animation’s most iconic modern characters to life, earning a devoted fan following around the world.
Alison Sealy-Smith, Voice Actor
Appearing Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September.
Key performances: X-Men: The Animated Series,X-Men ’97
Barbadian-Canadian voice actress Alison Sealy-Smith is best known as the iconic voice of Storm in X-Men: The Animated Series and the recent X-Men ’97. Sealy-Smith has become a beloved figure among Marvel and animation fans worldwide. Her portrayal of the powerful mutant leader has been a part of defining a generation of superhero storytelling and remains one of the most celebrated performances in animated television. In addition to her role as Storm, Sealy-Smith has voiced Gamora in Silver Surfer, and Scarlet in Delilah and Julius, and has appeared in fan-favourite series including Spider-Man and Sailor Moon.
Steven John Ward, Actor
Appearing Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September
Key performances: Dracule Mihawk in One Piece (live adaptation)
Steven John Ward is a South African actor, producer, and writer best known internationally for his breakout role as Mihawk in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece. His portrayal of the iconic swordsman introduced him to a global fanbase and solidified his presence in the world of genre television. A graduate of the AFDA School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance in Cape Town, Steven has built a diverse career spanning television, film, and producing. With a rapidly growing international profile and a strong connection to audiences worldwide, Steven John Ward continues to be one of South Africa’s most exciting talents.
Alexander Maniatis, Actor
Appearing Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September
Key performances: Captain Kuro in One Piece (live adaptation)
Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Alexander studied drama at the Pretoria Arts Campus, Tshwane University of Technology. Alexander is known for his role as the devious villain and captain of The Black Cat Pirates Captain Kuro – also known as Klahadore – in the critically acclaimed Netflix live action adaptation of One Piece. His career as an actor kicked off in 2016 and since then has covered a wide range of genres where he portrays diverse roles in drama (Love, Lies and Hybrids), comedy (Asseblief en Dankie) and action (ICEseason 2). Maniatis also works as a voice artist and as a musician who sings and plays piano and guitar.
Jazzara Jasslyn, Actor
Appearing Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September
Key performances: Miss Valentine in One Piece (live adaptation)
Jazzara Jaslyn is an award-winning South African actress, writer, and director, and a graduate of the University of Cape Town’s Theatre and Performance program. Jazzara has built a versatile career spanning international television, film, and elite stage productions. She is widely recognized for her role as Miss Valentine in the second season of Netflix’s global hit One Piece. Her television credits include starring as Jane Swann in the action-thriller Professionals (alongside Brendan Fraser), Eliza Pendleton in HBO’s Warrior, and Miranda Hugo in the M-Net drama Lioness. On stage, she has garnered acclaim for her performance as Alex Forrest in the adaptation of Fatal Attraction. Beyond acting, her 2024 debut short film, A Knowing, received nine international awards, followed by her 2026 project Strange Dance.
Nahum Hughes, Actor
Appearing Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September
Key performances: Bartolomeo in One Piece (live adaptation )
Nahum Hughes is a dynamic South African actor whose versatility and strong screen presence have quickly positioned him as a rising force in international entertainment. He recently joined the global hit One Piece, portraying the bold and memorable Bartolomeo in the Loguetown arc, bringing fresh energy to the fan-favourite pirate. Before setting sail on this major role, Hughes delivered a standout performance as the lead in David: King of Israel. His growing body of work also includes appearances in Black Beauty, The Mauritanian, and the historical series Tutankhamun. An accomplished athlete and passionate motorcycle enthusiast, Hughes continues to build a career that spans powerful historical storytelling and high-energy global productions.
Martial T Batchamen, Actor
Appearing Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September
Key performances: Brook in One Piece (live adaptation)
A Cameroonian-born actor and voice artist who grew up in South Africa, Martial has built a career across international film and television. He has appeared in productions including Redeeming Love, Tali’s Joburg Diary, and Unseen. Martial’s career continues to grow on the global stage with his casting in the hit live-action adaptation of One Piece, where he portrays the beloved pirate musician Brook, a key character whose story ties into one of the most emotional arcs of the series.
About Comic Con Africa
Comic Con Africa is the ultimate pop culture and gaming festival, offering fans a four-day experience of cosplay, international celebrities, autograph and photograph opportunities, gaming and tech, shopping, eSports tournaments, fandom-focused merch, tabletop gaming, trading card games and collectibles, anime, manga, interactive sessions, screenings, activations, KidsCon, and more. At Comic Con Africa, there is something for everyone from casual fans bona fide geeks. Tickets are available on Howler. For press enquiries please email . Visit www.comicconafrica.co.za.
The successful delivery of the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit in Durban marked the culmination of an extensive programme of regional engagements that brought together leaders, policymakers, business representatives and development partners from across Southern Africa.
Working in partnership with the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC), GL events South Africa served as the principal infrastructure supplier for the full programme of SADC-related events, providing the environments in which critical conversations around regional integration, industrialisation, trade, investment and economic development took place.
The programme extended well beyond the Summit itself, encompassing ministerial meetings, bilateral engagements, industry forums, networking events, gala functions, holding rooms and large-scale plenary sessions. One of the key engagements was SADC Industrialisation Week, which brought together public and private sector stakeholders to explore opportunities for economic growth and regional collaboration.
Delivering infrastructure across a programme of this scale required months of planning, coordination and execution. From venue design and production to logistics, build-outs and stakeholder management, every aspect of the project was carefully managed to ensure a seamless experience for the thousands of delegates, dignitaries and officials who participated.
The project was led by GL events South Africa Chief Operating Officer, Victor Besa, whose team oversaw the delivery of multiple event environments throughout the programme. Reflecting on the experience, Besa noted that events of this scale are a true test of operational excellence, requiring every element to come together seamlessly while maintaining the highest standards of delivery.
While attendees experienced polished, fully operational venues, the project highlighted the often unseen expertise required to stage events of national and regional significance. Every space was designed to facilitate meaningful engagement while meeting the complex practical requirements of a multi-event programme involving numerous stakeholders, security protocols and operational considerations.
For GL events South Africa, participation in the SADC Summit programme represented more than a large-scale event delivery. It demonstrated the role that professional event infrastructure providers play in enabling meaningful dialogue and collaboration across the region. The successful execution of the programme reinforced the value of strong partnerships, meticulous planning and the collective effort of the many professionals working behind the scenes to bring major events to life.
Africa’s event execution community has a new date in the diary: 17–18 March 2027 at The Canvas Riversands
The Festival of Eventing is officially gearing up for its next chapter.
Following the success of its inaugural edition, the Festival of Eventing will return on 17 and 18 March 2027, taking place at The Canvas Riversands in Johannesburg.
And that is not the only big news.
FOE is also delighted to announce that respected business strategist, transformation leader and partnership specialist Lyndon Barends has joined the Festival of Eventing as a Director, adding a powerful new dimension to the leadership team as the platform continues to grow.
A new chapter for the Festival of Eventing
The Festival of Eventing was created with a simple but ambitious purpose: to bring the people shaping events together to learn, connect, challenge convention and build a stronger, more future-ready industry.
Its inaugural edition proved that there was an appetite for exactly that.
Now, as FOE prepares for 2027, the team is taking the opportunity to build on those foundations and create an experience that goes even deeper into the challenges, opportunities and possibilities facing the events industry.
But the Festival is not interested in simply becoming bigger for the sake of being bigger.
The focus remains firmly on relevance. On creating conversations that matter, tackling the real challenges facing event professionals, and ensuring that every Eventurer leaves with fresh thinking, valuable connections and ideas they can actually put into action.
Welcoming Lyndon Barends
As FOE enters this next phase, the addition of Lyndon Barends as a Director brings decades of experience across business, strategy, transformation, sponsorship, partnerships and leadership.
Lyndon is a strategist and change leader whose career has taken him across a number of industries and leadership environments. His experience includes senior roles in strategic partnerships, corporate transformation, sponsorship and marketing, entrepreneurship, sport and business leadership.
He has also led businesses across sectors, and currently contributes to the development of future business leaders as a lecturer on the North-West University MBA Programme.
What makes Lyndon’s appointment particularly exciting for FOE, however, is not simply the list of positions he has held. It is the perspective he brings.
His work sits at the intersection of business, strategy, leadership and human connection, with a particular focus on transformation, innovation, sustainable growth and building strategic partnerships with purpose.
That philosophy aligns closely with what the Festival of Eventing is working to build.
“FOE has always been about more than putting people in a room,” says FOE spokesperson and Co-founder Keshni Reddy. “It is about creating the conditions for meaningful conversations, stronger partnerships and real progress within our industry. Lyndon brings a wealth of experience in strategy, transformation and partnership building, and we are incredibly excited to welcome him as we shape the next chapter of the Festival.”
Beyond business, Lyndon is also deeply committed to community and education. He is the founding president of the DADFund, an educational charity investing in young people, and supports initiatives focused on helping the next generation access mentorship and opportunity.
That people-first perspective will be an important part of the FOE journey as the Festival continues to explore not only where the industry is going, but who will help take it there.
The future is taking shape
While the 2027 programme is under development, the FOE team promises that the next edition will continue to bring together the industry’s thinkers, doers, innovators, suppliers, brands, organisers and future leaders.
Expect conversations around the changing nature of event execution, practical ideas and real-world insight, and technology, innovation and experience design to move from buzzwords into meaningful applications.
Attendees can also look forward to connecting with people who understand the pressure, complexity and magic of making events happen. And, of course, a few surprises.
The Festival of Eventing has never believed that the future of events should simply be discussed from a stage. It should be experienced.
Over the coming months, FOE will begin revealing more about the programme, speakers, experiences and opportunities to get involved.
For now, the message is simple:
Save the date. Festival of Eventing 2027 17–18 March 2027 The Canvas Riversands, Johannesburg
Early Bird registration has been extended until 31 December 2026, giving Eventurers an opportunity to secure their place early.
The next chapter is being written. The future of eventing is not something we wait for. It is something we build, together.
And the Festival of Eventing community is invited to help shape it.
For partnership, sponsorship and speaking opportunities, visit festivalofeventing.com or contact:
The South African plastics recycling industry continues to make strides in creating a circular economy for plastics. Recent statistics from Plastics SA revealed that plastics recycling increased by 3% in 2025 to 485-thousand tons, across the packaging, building, construction, agriculture, mining, automotive and consumer goods sectors. While the use of virgin polymer decreased by 2.8% and domestic plastic consumption decreased in 2025, plastics recycling and the use of recycled materials increased. Circular plastics content in new products now sits at 22%, compared to 16% 10 years ago. These statistics highlight South Africa as a leading performer in plastics recycling and the largest plastics recycler in Southern Africa.
The plastic recycling industry has shown strong growth over more than a decade with the domestic consumption of recyclate growing by 62% over the past ten years. These figures show the industry commitment and investment in the creation of a circular plastics economy. More than 30% of recycled plastics is used in the packaging industry. Packaging remains the main growth area for the plastics sector with demand for polypropylene (PP), PET and HDPE for the packaging industry remaining strong. In addition, plastics recycling creates an estimated 111-thousand income generating opportunities across the entire value chain.
Visitors to this year’s Propak Cape exhibition, taking place in Cape Town in October, can expect to see and experience the latest in sustainable plastics and recycling solutions. Propak Cape takes place once every three years in the Western Cape, offering a focused, three-day platform for innovation, collaboration and industry engagement. The sustainable properties of plastics, as well as all the latest recycling solutions will be highlighted at the event.
Plastic packaging that is properly disposed of is not harmful to the environment but is a reusable resource that keeps producing after the initial product lifespan. Plastics are one of only a few substances that retains its value even beyond its end of life. Its ability to be reused and recycled into new products makes it a sustainable resource, reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and protecting the environment.
Plastic packaging also protects product contents, preventing waste and reducing the carbon and water footprints associated with manufacturing. Its lightweight nature enables more efficient transport, generating fewer carbon emissions than heavier packaging materials. Plastic is also highly durable, reducing spoilage and breakage during transport and handling.
In store, plastic packaging can significantly extend shelf life, helping to reduce food waste. It protects food, medicines and household cleaning products from damage, contamination, moisture and UV radiation. Lightweight, resilient, flexible, hygienic and innovative, plastic is an excellent material for the processing, storage, transport, protection and preservation of products. Across the product life cycle, plastic packaging helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and can offer a smaller environmental footprint than many alternatives.
The programme of free-to-attend seminars hosted by the Institute of Packaging SA (IPSA) will also have sustainability as an overarching thread during the three days. These sessions will deliver insights into key packaging and processing trends aligned with the theme days New Products and Technology, Sustainability and Automation. Producer Responsibility Organisations will be part of the programme.
Printing SA’s one-day industry conference will provide additional value through expert-led discussions and knowledge sharing, and the FTASA Print Excellence Awards will also take place during Propak Cape.
Propak Cape, which incorporates Pro-Plas Expo, together with Print Expo, Pro-Label Expo and FoodPro is an opportunity for visitors to see the latest innovations, products, technologies and solutions in packaging, food processing, plastics, printing and labelling.
Propak Cape 2026 will take place at the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC) from 27-29 October 2026. The event is supported by IPSA, Packaging SA, Plastics SA and Printing SA.
As manufacturers across West Africa respond to growing demand for greater productivity, efficiency and sustainability, access to the latest technologies, expert knowledge and trusted industry partners has never been more important. Opening soon at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, from 8-10 September, Propak West Africa will once again bring together local and international exhibitors, manufacturers and industry professionals for one of West Africa’s premier manufacturing and packaging exhibitions, serving the packaging, plastics, print, labelling and food processing sectors. More than an exhibition, Propak West Africa provides a platform where global innovation, technical expertise and business opportunities converge to support sustainability, strengthen regional manufacturing and connect local industry with world-class technologies and solutions.
Against a backdrop of evolving consumer markets, increasing sustainability requirements and rapid advances in automation and digital technologies, businesses are seeking practical solutions that improve operational performance while strengthening long-term competitiveness. Propak West Africa provides a unique opportunity to explore these developments firsthand, compare technologies, engage with technical specialists and discover innovations designed to address today’s manufacturing challenges.
At the heart of the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest machinery, materials and technologies, compare solutions firsthand, and engage directly with technical specialists and industry experts. Complementing the exhibition, a dedicated conference for production and packaging professionals will deliver expert insights into the trends, innovations and operational strategies shaping the future of manufacturing and packaging.
With growing participation from international exhibitors, regional manufacturers and leading industry organisations, Propak West Africa reflects West Africa’s increasing importance within the global manufacturing and packaging landscape. Bringing together local industry with technology providers from around the world, the exhibition serves as a bridge for knowledge transfer, investment and business partnerships that support regional industrial development.
Many local and regional companies plan to take advantage of Propak West Africa’s to engage with customers, develop new business relationships, and build their networks. Leading local and regional exhibitors include Beta Glass Nigeria, SBA Nigeria, PET Associates and Bristol Scientific Company. The growing participation of local exhibitors highlights increasing investment in Nigeria’s manufacturing and processing sectors, as companies continue to expand production capabilities and adopt advanced technologies to meet regional demand.
The strong presence of international exhibitors demonstrates increasing global interest in West Africa’s fast-growing manufacturing, packaging and processing industries. International exhibitors at Propak West Africa include Windmöller & Hölscher; Reifenhäuser Blown Film; the Piovan Group; Nissei ASB Africa; Clearpack Group; Snetor and Vinmar International, among others.
A growing emphasis on sustainability and the circular economy, reinforced through collaboration with key industry and recycling associations, also highlights the sector’s commitment to more resource-efficient manufacturing and responsible packaging solutions. Propak West Africa is supported by a long list of sustainability-focused organisations including the Food and Beverage Alliance; the Recyclers Association of Nigeria; the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology; the Consumer Advocacy for Food Safety and Nutrition Initiative; the Advertisers Association of Nigeria; the African Packaging Organisation and the Advanced Institute of Packaging Professionals Nigeria.
In addition, the participation of Girls Who Print Africa reflects the industry’s growing focus on inclusion, skills development and the advancement of women across the print and packaging sectors. Girls Who Print Africa is the premier regional network for women in the print, packaging, and graphic communications industry and focuses on mentorship, skills development, resource sharing, and professional development. Propak West Africa will also partner with Girls Who Print Africa to host the maiden edition of the Women in Print & Packaging session on the first day of the Propak West Africa Summit. This will bring together industry leaders and professionals to discuss opportunities, challenges, and pathways for advancing women’s participation and leadership within the sector.
“Propak West Africa has established itself as one of West Africa’s leading manufacturing and packaging events because it delivers real business value for visitors,” says Mark Anderson, Portfolio Director at Montgomery Group Africa, organisers of the show. “Whether companies are looking to improve productivity, reduce costs, enhance sustainability or explore new technologies, the exhibition provides the opportunity to compare solutions, speak directly with technical specialists and suppliers, and gain practical insights that can be applied in their own operations. By bringing together international technology providers, regional manufacturers and industry stakeholders under one roof, Propak West Africa continues to drive innovation, support more sustainable manufacturing practices and contribute to the long-term growth and competitiveness of West Africa’s manufacturing sector.”
Visitors can register to attend Propak West Africa by visiting www.propakwestafrica.com. Attendance is free for trade and industry professionals.
Nomsa Philiso, Executive Vice President: Content, CANAL+ Africa
Partnership creates new commissioning opportunities for African producers and strengthens pathways for African stories to reach wider audiences
Cape Town, South Africa, 17 August 2026 – FAME Week Africa has announced MultiChoice Group, a CANAL+ company, as the Super Sponsor of FAME Week Africa 2026, strengthening a shared commitment to African storytelling, creative talent and building greater opportunities for the continent’s producers.
Taking place from 28–30 October 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC2), followed by the FAME Film Festival from 30 October–1 November at the Rockefeller Hotel, FAME Week Africa brings together broadcasters, streamers, producers, distributors, creators, investors and industry leaders to do business, build partnerships and shape the future of Africa’s creative industries.
As Super Sponsor, MultiChoice Group will use FAME Week Africa to deepen its engagement with Africa’s creative community, including creating direct opportunities for producers to pitch projects aligned with its commissioning needs.
“MultiChoice Group has spent decades investing in African stories, talent and production, and we know the extraordinary creative potential that exists across the continent,” says Nomsa Philiso, Executive Vice President: Content, CANAL+ Africa. “FAME Week Africa gives us an important opportunity to connect directly with producers and discover compelling new stories. As part of CANAL+, we can build on that strong foundation and create even greater opportunities for African storytelling to reach audiences across the continent and beyond.”
FROM CONVERSATION TO COMMISSION
At the heart of the partnership is a shared ambition to create tangible pathways to opportunity for African producers and storytellers.
As part of FAME Week Africa 2026, MultiChoice Group has launched an exclusive Premium Drama Call for Projects, inviting producers from across Africa to submit original drama series concepts aligned with the broadcaster’s commissioning needs.
The call is seeking contemporary, high-concept and commercially compelling African drama with strong characters, universal themes and the potential to resonate across two or more African territories.
Shortlisted producers will have the opportunity to present their projects directly to a commissioning panel from MultiChoice Group and STUDIOCANAL, CANAL+’s in-house film and television studio with worldwide production and distribution capabilities, during FAME Week Africa.
The initiative will sit alongside the established MIP Africa Project Pitch Platform, creating an additional direct route between African producers and commissioners actively looking for new content.
“Having MultiChoice Group join FAME Week Africa as our Super Sponsor is significant for Africa’s creative industries,” says Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director, FAME Week Africa. “This partnership is about creating tangible opportunities for African storytellers and building stronger bridges between talent, investment and audiences. The Premium Drama Call brings that commitment to life by giving producers direct access to commissioners looking for African stories.”
A PARTNERSHIP FOR AFRICA’S CREATIVE ECONOMY
For decades, MultiChoice Group has played a major role in the development of Africa’s television and entertainment industry, investing in local productions, creative talent and stories that reflect the cultures, languages and experiences of audiences across the continent.
As part of CANAL+, that commitment enters a new chapter, combining deep African content expertise with the scale and reach of a wider international entertainment group.
FAME Week Africa has established itself as a meeting place for Africa’s creative community and broadcasters, platforms, buyers, commissioners, distributors and partners from around the world.
MultiChoice Group’s involvement will extend beyond sponsorship visibility to include commissioning opportunities, industry conversations, networking and direct engagement with producers and creators.
AFRICAN STORIES. GREATER OPPORTUNITY.
FAME Week Africa 2026 will bring the continent’s creative industries together in Cape Town for three days of deal-making, pitching, networking, screenings, showcases and conversations across film, television, animation, music, fashion and entertainment.
With MultiChoice Group as Super Sponsor, the partnership aims to help turn conversations into opportunities and African ideas into stories that can reach audiences at home and further afield.
In honour of Women’s Month, WTM Africa is announcing early updates to its Women in Tourism (WiT) programme, running alongside WTM Africa 2027, from 7–9 April 2027 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
The initiative will centre on strategic skills development, supporting women across the tourism sector to build the confidence, knowledge and networks to grow their careers and contribute to the industry’s future.
While the global share of tourism and hospitality board seats held by women doubled from 16% in 2013 to 33% in 2025, representation still thins out at the top. A recent World Travel & Tourism Council study shows that they hold just 42% of mid-management positions and only 7% of CEO or chair roles.
“As demand accelerates globally for inclusive leadership in travel and hospitality, we’re working to ensure that the effective upliftment of women in tourism remains a priority,” said Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director for Travel, Tourism and Sports at RX Africa.
Voted Mentor of the Year at the 2026 Women in MICE Awards, De Jager believes genuine progress in gender empowerment calls for more than creating leadership opportunities for women. It requires intentional focus on professional development and support to help them succeed when they get there.
“Women have an enormous role to play in deciding our industry’s future, but leadership is not only about the positions we hold. It is also about having the confidence to use our voices, share our ideas, and recognise the value we bring” she added.
Amongst the planned highlights for WiT 2027 is “Empowering Female Leadership in Tourism”, an interactive workshop exploring high-impact topics including strategic decision-making, adaptive leadership, personal and corporate branding, mentorship and networking.
This dedicated session will follow the Women in MICE Breakfast, welcoming women working across the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector and providing a platform to launch new categories for the Women in MICE Awards 2027. Further details will be announced closer to the show.
This Women’s Month, the message is clear: women already represent one of tourism’s greatest resources. WTM Africa 2027 aims to create more opportunities for them to develop their skills and step forward with the confidence to contribute at every level of the industry.
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Delivering infrastructure across a programme of this scale required months of planning, coordination and execution. From venue design and production to logistics, build-outs and stakeholder management, every aspect of the project was carefully managed to ensure a seamless experience for the thousands of delegates, dignitaries and officials who participated.
For GL events South Africa, participation in the SADC Summit programme represented more than a large-scale event delivery. It demonstrated the role that professional event infrastructure providers play in enabling meaningful dialogue and collaboration across the region. The successful execution of the programme reinforced the value of strong partnerships, meticulous planning and the collective effort of the many professionals working behind the scenes to bring major events to life.
Welcoming Lyndon Barends
A PARTNERSHIP FOR AFRICA’S CREATIVE ECONOMY