African artists across the continent have been invited to apply for the second edition of the Chizi Wigwe Prize for African Futurism, a major creative grant supporting bold, future-focused storytelling.

The prize, organised by 1952 Africa, opened applications on Thursday, with submissions accepted until 27 March 2026.

It targets African artists aged 18 to 45, offering a $15,000 grant that includes an international residency to support research, production, and global exposure.

Why it matters

As Africa’s population, technology, and cultural influence grow, creative voices are increasingly shaping how the continent imagines its future.

The Chizi Wigwe Prize aims to place African artists at the centre of that conversation, encouraging speculative and imaginative narratives beyond politics and economics.

This year’s theme, “Africa in 2100”, asks artists to explore what the continent could become — socially, culturally, environmentally, and technologically.

Honouring a visionary

The prize was established in memory of Chizi Wigwe, a former board member of 1952 Africa and a patron of African arts.

He was widely recognised for championing creativity as a tool for innovation, identity, and long-term development.

Speaking on the launch, Ejike Egbuagu, Chairman of 1952 Africa, said:

“The Chizi Wigwe Prize was created to honour a man who believed deeply in Africa’s future and the power of creative imagination to shape it. As we open applications for the second edition, we are reaffirming our commitment to supporting artists who dare to think beyond the present and contribute meaningfully to how Africa envisions itself in decades to come.”

What artists can apply with

The prize is open to all creative disciplines, including visual arts, film, design, textiles, sculpture, multimedia, and experimental forms.

Applicants are expected to submit original works that offer innovative perspectives on Africa’s long-term future.

According to 1952 Africa, selected artists will receive not just funding, but access to international networks that can amplify their work globally.

Spotlight on last year’s winner

The inaugural prize was awarded to Elfreda Dali, a Nigerian-born multidisciplinary artist.

Her work, spanning textiles, sculpture, and design, stood out for its blend of craft, storytelling, and speculative thinking.

Dali’s practice explores themes of family, labour, migration, and self-exploration, using textiles as vessels for memory and transformation.

Partnerships backing the prize

The Chizi Wigwe Prize for African Futurism is supported by Moneda Invest Africa, The HOW Foundation, and Trino Motion Pictures.

The partners say the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing African creativity, innovation, and cultural leadership.

What’s next

Applications close on 27 March 2026, after which shortlisted artists will be reviewed by a panel of curators and industry experts.

Successful applicants will be announced later in the year.

Artists can apply via 1952 Africa’s official website here

Nigeria’s efforts to protect its cultural heritage through youth engagement and documentary storytelling came under the spotlight on Tuesday, 28 January 2026, as the African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF) presented the 2025 UNESCO World Heritage Action Camps Report to the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.

The report, which documents heritage conservation projects carried out in Kano and Adamawa States, was formally presented to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, MFR, mni, during a courtesy visit led by AFIDFF’s Director General, Malame Ngamariju Mangzha.

The presentation was accompanied by a short documentary screening, showcasing community-based preservation work at sites including the Kano City Wall, Kurmi Market, and surrounding cultural landmarks.

Why it matters

Nigeria is home to some of Africa’s most significant historical and cultural sites, many of which face threats from urbanisation, neglect, and climate pressures.

The UNESCO World Heritage Action Camps programme focuses on youth-led documentation, hands-on conservation, and digital storytelling, positioning young people as custodians of cultural memory while supporting tourism development and local economies.

Inside the documentary

The screened documentary followed volunteers drawn from different parts of Nigeria and beyond, highlighting how digital tools, fieldwork, and community collaboration can strengthen heritage preservation.

Through personal accounts and on-site activities, the film illustrated how heritage protection can foster community ownership, preserve historical identity, and contribute to sustainable cultural tourism.

Government and institutional response

Responding to the presentation, Dr Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad praised the quality and intent of the project.

He described the initiative as thoughtful, well-executed, and reflective of genuine passion for Nigeria’s heritage.

The Permanent Secretary commended the professionalism, resilience, and collaborative approach demonstrated by AFIDFF, stressing the importance of sustained public awareness, youth involvement, institutional protection, and supportive policy frameworks to safeguard national heritage assets.

He also acknowledged the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Barr., noting that her passion for culture and the creative economy has helped renew national attention on heritage preservation and storytelling.

Industry and expert perspectives

During the briefing session, the Ministry’s Director of International Cultural Relations commended AFIDFF’s Director General for her expertise, consistency, and measurable impact in heritage documentation and youth engagement.

Other Directors present highlighted the growing importance of documentary storytelling, inter-agency collaboration, and community participation in protecting Nigeria’s cultural assets.

What’s next

Dr Mukhtar affirmed the Ministry’s readiness to continue working with credible partners whose initiatives align with its mandate to strengthen culture, tourism, and the creative economy.

The visit concluded with the formal submission of the 2025 UNESCO World Heritage Action Camps Report and the presentation of an award of appreciation to the Permanent Secretary for his support.

AFIDFF reaffirmed its commitment to sustained collaboration with the Ministry and other stakeholders to expand heritage documentation and project Nigeria’s cultural narratives to regional and global audiences.

Nigeria’s iconic Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival is gathering national and global attention, weeks before thousands are expected to converge on Kebbi State.

Pre-event activities for the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival officially gained national momentum on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, as stakeholders met in Abuja to formally kick off preparations for the cultural showcase.

The Official Open Day ceremony, held at the NTA Headquarters Arena, featured colourful cultural performances, media engagements and the unveiling of branded vehicles for a nationwide sensitisation campaign ahead of the main festival scheduled for 11–14 February 2026 in Kebbi State.

Dignitaries at the event included a delegation from the Kebbi State Government, members of the diplomatic corps, cultural troupes from participating states and a UNESCO Representative, underscoring the festival’s growing international appeal.

Festival as a Tool for National Unity

Representing the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, MFR, mni, described the Argungu Festival as a powerful platform for strengthening national cohesion.

He said the festival also plays a growing role in projecting Nigeria’s cultural identity globally.

He described the Argungu Festival as “more than an iconic fishing contest,” noting that it celebrates identity through traditional music and dance, indigenous crafts, cuisine, canoe racing and community heritage.

Dr Muhammad added that the Federal Government remains committed to using cultural festivals to expand tourism under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Why It Matters

According to the Ministry, festivals of this scale generate economic value beyond entertainment.

Dr Muhammad said cultural tourism boosts local commerce, hospitality, transportation and income opportunities for artisans, performers, farmers and traders.

He also praised Kebbi State’s preparations, citing investor interest, planned stakeholder consultative forums and ongoing efforts to encourage hospitality operators to upgrade facilities ahead of expected international visitors.

Industry and Government Reactions

The programme featured goodwill messages from key national figures, including the:

Minister of Information and National Orientation

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security

Minister for Livestock Development

UNESCO Representative

Cultural troupes from Kebbi State and other participating states performed at the event, offering a preview of what audiences can expect during the main festival.

Kebbi State’s Role

The Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, who chairs the festival’s Central Planning Committee, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to delivering a globally competitive event.

He highlighted coordination with federal agencies and private stakeholders to ensure security, logistics and visitor experience meet international standards.

A Royal Endorsement

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by the Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, CON.

He reaffirmed the festival’s enduring importance as a symbol of cultural cohesion and a proud showcase of Nigeria’s diversity.

What’s Next

Organisers say intensified media campaigns, community engagement and investor outreach will continue in the coming weeks, as Kebbi State prepares to host visitors from across Nigeria and beyond in February.