Africa’s Creative Voices Shine in Ethiopia
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, July 21, 2026 – Ethiopia is set to become a global stage for African creativity as leading contemporary artists from across the continent gather in Addis Ababa for the “Unity” exhibition during the inaugural World Public Summit Africa on July 29–30, 2026.
The exhibition will bring together artists from 16 African countries, showcasing paintings, sculptures, digital artworks, collage and mixed-media installations that reflect Africa’s rich cultures, stories and artistic expressions.
Celebrating Africa Through Art
Artists from Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe will participate in the showcase.
An Afro-Brazilian artist will also join the exhibition, highlighting the deep cultural connections between Africa and the diaspora.
Under the theme “Unity,” the exhibition explores identity, heritage, shared memories and hopes for the future. Through different artistic styles, the showcase celebrates Africa’s diversity while highlighting the experiences and values that connect its people.
A Global Platform for African Creativity
The exhibition is part of the World Public Summit Africa, held under the theme “A New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future.”
The summit will attract more than 700 participants, including government leaders, diplomats, business executives, academics, innovators, cultural leaders and civil society representatives. They will discuss opportunities for collaboration, sustainable development and Africa’s role in global progress.
Featured artists include Nigeria’s Precious Longret Samuel, whose work explores culture and collective memory; Ethiopia’s Selamawit Gebretsadik, who uses nature-inspired symbolism to express unity; and Senegal’s Khalifa Mané, whose art reflects on building a shared future.
Taking African Art Beyond Borders
Andrey Belyaninov, Secretary-General of the World Peoples Assembly, said art remains a powerful tool for connecting people across cultures.
“Art is one of humanity’s most universal languages. It brings people together where words alone may fail and helps us discover what unites us despite our differences,” he said.
Tsegaye Chama, General Secretary of the Global Black Center, said the summit represents a new approach to collaboration built around shared purpose and understanding.
Beyond the exhibition, the summit will feature an international scientific study titled The Zambezi River: Economy, Society, Soul. The research will explore the social, economic and cultural importance of the Zambezi River across Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique.
After the Addis Ababa showcase, the “Unity” exhibition will move to Moscow, continuing its journey of cultural exchange and celebrating African creativity on the global stage.
The event highlights Africa’s growing influence in the world of art while offering audiences a glimpse into the continent’s diverse creative landscape.
