SCHEDULE
CRAFT FESTIVAL 2026
FULL
EVENT
SCHEDULE
ADDIS ABEBA,
ETHIOPIA
ADDIS ABEBA,
ETHIOPIA
ADDIS ABEBA,
ETHIOPIA
APRIL 30 -
MAY 2, 2026
APRIL 30 -
MAY 2, 2026
APRIL 30 -
MAY 2, 2026
Explore the keynotes, cultural showcases, performances, exhibitions, and creative sessions taking place across the three days of CRAFT Festival 2026.
All
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
6:30 – 7:00 PM
Apr 30, 2026
Opening Toast
Welcome remarks and acknowledgments of key partners.
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Apr 30, 2026
Art & Music Interlude
Pan-African music and live art expressions.
6:00 – 6:30 PM
Apr 30, 2026
Arrival & Welcome Drink
Guests arrive to light refreshments and live art
8:30 – 9:30 PM
May 1, 2026
Networking Session
Informal exchange among delegates and creators.
9:00 – 9:30 AM
May 1, 2026
Registration & Marketplace Opening
Guests explore marketplace and tech exhibits.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
9:30 – 9:45 AM
May 1, 2026
Opening Film – “CRAFT: The Rise of a Creative Continent”
Short cinematic introduction.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
9:45 – 10:00 AM
May 1, 2026
Opening Remarks
Welcome by Festival Chair & official representatives.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
10:00 – 10:30 AM
May 1, 2026
Keynote – Creativity as Infrastructure for Africa’s Future
Visionary address on creativity and development.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
10:30 – 10:45 AM
May 1, 2026
Launch of CRAFT Digital Freelance Platform
Presentation of Africa’s creative market- place.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
10:45 – 11:30 AM
May 1, 2026
The Business of Creativity
Exploring how creative industries power Africa’s economy.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
11:30 – 12:30 PM
May 1, 2026
CRAFT Master - Talks
Inspirational sessions on AI, brand storytelling, and creative entrepreneurship.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
12:30 - 2:00 PM
May 1, 2026
Midday Session
Format: Networking Lunch & Marketplace Tour – Pan-African gastronomy, music, and tech demos.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
2:00 – 2:50 PM
May 1, 2026
Culture as Industry
How film, music, and design drive GDP and exports.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
3:00 – 3:40 PM
May 1, 2026
Creative Investment & Market Positioning
Exploring new funding models and brand strategies.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
3:50 – 4:30 PM
May 1, 2026
The Next Million Creative Jobs
Global private leaders share policy solutions for creative employment.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
4:30 – 5:00 PM
May 1, 2026
CRAFT Addis Declaration & Innovation Fund Launch
Formal commitments and fund announcement.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
2:00 – 2:45 PM
May 1, 2026
Tech for Creativity – The Fireside Panel New Collaboration Era
Exploring AI and digital innovation in the arts.
CraftLab Stage, Arada Park
3:00 – 3:40 PM
May 1, 2026
Gaming, Virtual Production & Storytelling
Showcasing Africa’s gaming and XR pioneers.
CraftLab Stage, Arada Park
4:00 – 5:00 PM
May 1, 2026
CRAFT Masterclass Series
Hands-on learning in AI design, leadership, and mobile filmmaking.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
9:00 – 10:30 PM
May 1, 2026
Grand Finale Concert – “Sounds of Africa”
Format: Concert - Live performance by Mulatu Astatke & collaborators.
Arada Park
8:00 – 9:00 PM
May 1, 2026
CRAFT Awards Ceremony
Format: Awards Gala - Honoring Creative Policy, Youth Empowerment, Sustainability, and Tech for Good. Lifetime Award: Mulatu Astatke.
Arada Park
7:30 – 8:00 PM
May 1, 2026
Africa Fashion Futures Runway
Format: Runway Show - Designers blend heritage with innovation.
Arada Park
6:30 – 7:30 PM
May 1, 2026
Evening Session: Celebration & Legacy
Format: Reception - Media coverage and live Ethio-jazz set.
Arada Park
3:30 – 4:00 PM
May 2, 2026
Cultural & Creative Exploration Copy
Shared insights and farewell moments.
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
May 2, 2026
Cultural & Creative Exploration
Visits to art spaces and creative hubs with performances and interactive sessions.
9:00 AM
May 2, 2026
Departure & Orientation
Delegates gather for a guide intro for the days journey
All
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
6:30 – 7:00 PM
Apr 30, 2026
Opening Toast
Welcome remarks and acknowledgments of key partners.
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Apr 30, 2026
Art & Music Interlude
Pan-African music and live art expressions.
6:00 – 6:30 PM
Apr 30, 2026
Arrival & Welcome Drink
Guests arrive to light refreshments and live art
8:30 – 9:30 PM
May 1, 2026
Networking Session
Informal exchange among delegates and creators.
9:00 – 9:30 AM
May 1, 2026
Registration & Marketplace Opening
Guests explore marketplace and tech exhibits.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
9:30 – 9:45 AM
May 1, 2026
Opening Film – “CRAFT: The Rise of a Creative Continent”
Short cinematic introduction.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
9:45 – 10:00 AM
May 1, 2026
Opening Remarks
Welcome by Festival Chair & official representatives.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
10:00 – 10:30 AM
May 1, 2026
Keynote – Creativity as Infrastructure for Africa’s Future
Visionary address on creativity and development.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
10:30 – 10:45 AM
May 1, 2026
Launch of CRAFT Digital Freelance Platform
Presentation of Africa’s creative market- place.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
10:45 – 11:30 AM
May 1, 2026
The Business of Creativity
Exploring how creative industries power Africa’s economy.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
11:30 – 12:30 PM
May 1, 2026
CRAFT Master - Talks
Inspirational sessions on AI, brand storytelling, and creative entrepreneurship.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
12:30 - 2:00 PM
May 1, 2026
Midday Session
Format: Networking Lunch & Marketplace Tour – Pan-African gastronomy, music, and tech demos.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
2:00 – 2:50 PM
May 1, 2026
Culture as Industry
How film, music, and design drive GDP and exports.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
3:00 – 3:40 PM
May 1, 2026
Creative Investment & Market Positioning
Exploring new funding models and brand strategies.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
3:50 – 4:30 PM
May 1, 2026
The Next Million Creative Jobs
Global private leaders share policy solutions for creative employment.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
4:30 – 5:00 PM
May 1, 2026
CRAFT Addis Declaration & Innovation Fund Launch
Formal commitments and fund announcement.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
2:00 – 2:45 PM
May 1, 2026
Tech for Creativity – The Fireside Panel New Collaboration Era
Exploring AI and digital innovation in the arts.
CraftLab Stage, Arada Park
3:00 – 3:40 PM
May 1, 2026
Gaming, Virtual Production & Storytelling
Showcasing Africa’s gaming and XR pioneers.
CraftLab Stage, Arada Park
4:00 – 5:00 PM
May 1, 2026
CRAFT Masterclass Series
Hands-on learning in AI design, leadership, and mobile filmmaking.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
9:00 – 10:30 PM
May 1, 2026
Grand Finale Concert – “Sounds of Africa”
Format: Concert - Live performance by Mulatu Astatke & collaborators.
Arada Park
8:00 – 9:00 PM
May 1, 2026
CRAFT Awards Ceremony
Format: Awards Gala - Honoring Creative Policy, Youth Empowerment, Sustainability, and Tech for Good. Lifetime Award: Mulatu Astatke.
Arada Park
7:30 – 8:00 PM
May 1, 2026
Africa Fashion Futures Runway
Format: Runway Show - Designers blend heritage with innovation.
Arada Park
6:30 – 7:30 PM
May 1, 2026
Evening Session: Celebration & Legacy
Format: Reception - Media coverage and live Ethio-jazz set.
Arada Park
3:30 – 4:00 PM
May 2, 2026
Cultural & Creative Exploration Copy
Shared insights and farewell moments.
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
May 2, 2026
Cultural & Creative Exploration
Visits to art spaces and creative hubs with performances and interactive sessions.
9:00 AM
May 2, 2026
Departure & Orientation
Delegates gather for a guide intro for the days journey
All
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
6:30 – 7:00 PM
Apr 30, 2026
Opening Toast
Welcome remarks and acknowledgments of key partners.
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Apr 30, 2026
Art & Music Interlude
Pan-African music and live art expressions.
6:00 – 6:30 PM
Apr 30, 2026
Arrival & Welcome Drink
Guests arrive to light refreshments and live art
8:30 – 9:30 PM
May 1, 2026
Networking Session
Informal exchange among delegates and creators.
9:00 – 9:30 AM
May 1, 2026
Registration & Marketplace Opening
Guests explore marketplace and tech exhibits.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
9:30 – 9:45 AM
May 1, 2026
Opening Film – “CRAFT: The Rise of a Creative Continent”
Short cinematic introduction.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
9:45 – 10:00 AM
May 1, 2026
Opening Remarks
Welcome by Festival Chair & official representatives.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
10:00 – 10:30 AM
May 1, 2026
Keynote – Creativity as Infrastructure for Africa’s Future
Visionary address on creativity and development.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
10:30 – 10:45 AM
May 1, 2026
Launch of CRAFT Digital Freelance Platform
Presentation of Africa’s creative market- place.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
10:45 – 11:30 AM
May 1, 2026
The Business of Creativity
Exploring how creative industries power Africa’s economy.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
11:30 – 12:30 PM
May 1, 2026
CRAFT Master - Talks
Inspirational sessions on AI, brand storytelling, and creative entrepreneurship.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
12:30 - 2:00 PM
May 1, 2026
Midday Session
Format: Networking Lunch & Marketplace Tour – Pan-African gastronomy, music, and tech demos.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
2:00 – 2:50 PM
May 1, 2026
Culture as Industry
How film, music, and design drive GDP and exports.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
3:00 – 3:40 PM
May 1, 2026
Creative Investment & Market Positioning
Exploring new funding models and brand strategies.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
3:50 – 4:30 PM
May 1, 2026
The Next Million Creative Jobs
Global private leaders share policy solutions for creative employment.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
4:30 – 5:00 PM
May 1, 2026
CRAFT Addis Declaration & Innovation Fund Launch
Formal commitments and fund announcement.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
2:00 – 2:45 PM
May 1, 2026
Tech for Creativity – The Fireside Panel New Collaboration Era
Exploring AI and digital innovation in the arts.
CraftLab Stage, Arada Park
3:00 – 3:40 PM
May 1, 2026
Gaming, Virtual Production & Storytelling
Showcasing Africa’s gaming and XR pioneers.
CraftLab Stage, Arada Park
4:00 – 5:00 PM
May 1, 2026
CRAFT Masterclass Series
Hands-on learning in AI design, leadership, and mobile filmmaking.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
9:00 – 10:30 PM
May 1, 2026
Grand Finale Concert – “Sounds of Africa”
Format: Concert - Live performance by Mulatu Astatke & collaborators.
Arada Park
8:00 – 9:00 PM
May 1, 2026
CRAFT Awards Ceremony
Format: Awards Gala - Honoring Creative Policy, Youth Empowerment, Sustainability, and Tech for Good. Lifetime Award: Mulatu Astatke.
Arada Park
7:30 – 8:00 PM
May 1, 2026
Africa Fashion Futures Runway
Format: Runway Show - Designers blend heritage with innovation.
Arada Park
6:30 – 7:30 PM
May 1, 2026
Evening Session: Celebration & Legacy
Format: Reception - Media coverage and live Ethio-jazz set.
Arada Park
3:30 – 4:00 PM
May 2, 2026
Cultural & Creative Exploration Copy
Shared insights and farewell moments.
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
May 2, 2026
Cultural & Creative Exploration
Visits to art spaces and creative hubs with performances and interactive sessions.
9:00 AM
May 2, 2026
Departure & Orientation
Delegates gather for a guide intro for the days journey
All
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
6:30 – 7:00 PM
Apr 30, 2026
Opening Toast
Welcome remarks and acknowledgments of key partners.
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Apr 30, 2026
Art & Music Interlude
Pan-African music and live art expressions.
6:00 – 6:30 PM
Apr 30, 2026
Arrival & Welcome Drink
Guests arrive to light refreshments and live art
8:30 – 9:30 PM
May 1, 2026
Networking Session
Informal exchange among delegates and creators.
9:00 – 9:30 AM
May 1, 2026
Registration & Marketplace Opening
Guests explore marketplace and tech exhibits.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
9:30 – 9:45 AM
May 1, 2026
Opening Film – “CRAFT: The Rise of a Creative Continent”
Short cinematic introduction.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
9:45 – 10:00 AM
May 1, 2026
Opening Remarks
Welcome by Festival Chair & official representatives.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
10:00 – 10:30 AM
May 1, 2026
Keynote – Creativity as Infrastructure for Africa’s Future
Visionary address on creativity and development.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
10:30 – 10:45 AM
May 1, 2026
Launch of CRAFT Digital Freelance Platform
Presentation of Africa’s creative market- place.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
10:45 – 11:30 AM
May 1, 2026
The Business of Creativity
Exploring how creative industries power Africa’s economy.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
11:30 – 12:30 PM
May 1, 2026
CRAFT Master - Talks
Inspirational sessions on AI, brand storytelling, and creative entrepreneurship.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
12:30 - 2:00 PM
May 1, 2026
Midday Session
Format: Networking Lunch & Marketplace Tour – Pan-African gastronomy, music, and tech demos.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
2:00 – 2:50 PM
May 1, 2026
Culture as Industry
How film, music, and design drive GDP and exports.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
3:00 – 3:40 PM
May 1, 2026
Creative Investment & Market Positioning
Exploring new funding models and brand strategies.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
3:50 – 4:30 PM
May 1, 2026
The Next Million Creative Jobs
Global private leaders share policy solutions for creative employment.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
4:30 – 5:00 PM
May 1, 2026
CRAFT Addis Declaration & Innovation Fund Launch
Formal commitments and fund announcement.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
2:00 – 2:45 PM
May 1, 2026
Tech for Creativity – The Fireside Panel New Collaboration Era
Exploring AI and digital innovation in the arts.
CraftLab Stage, Arada Park
3:00 – 3:40 PM
May 1, 2026
Gaming, Virtual Production & Storytelling
Showcasing Africa’s gaming and XR pioneers.
CraftLab Stage, Arada Park
4:00 – 5:00 PM
May 1, 2026
CRAFT Masterclass Series
Hands-on learning in AI design, leadership, and mobile filmmaking.
Spark Stage, Arada Park
9:00 – 10:30 PM
May 1, 2026
Grand Finale Concert – “Sounds of Africa”
Format: Concert - Live performance by Mulatu Astatke & collaborators.
Arada Park
8:00 – 9:00 PM
May 1, 2026
CRAFT Awards Ceremony
Format: Awards Gala - Honoring Creative Policy, Youth Empowerment, Sustainability, and Tech for Good. Lifetime Award: Mulatu Astatke.
Arada Park
7:30 – 8:00 PM
May 1, 2026
Africa Fashion Futures Runway
Format: Runway Show - Designers blend heritage with innovation.
Arada Park
6:30 – 7:30 PM
May 1, 2026
Evening Session: Celebration & Legacy
Format: Reception - Media coverage and live Ethio-jazz set.
Arada Park
3:30 – 4:00 PM
May 2, 2026
Cultural & Creative Exploration Copy
Shared insights and farewell moments.
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
May 2, 2026
Cultural & Creative Exploration
Visits to art spaces and creative hubs with performances and interactive sessions.
9:00 AM
May 2, 2026
Departure & Orientation
Delegates gather for a guide intro for the days journey