MARKETING TRENDS

Africa’s marketing and creative trends to watch out for in 2026

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2026

The brands that thrive will treat creativity as a core strategy which underpins sustainable growth, social impact and global engagement

As Africa’s marketing professionals look to the year ahead, they can expect it to be shaped by clearer priorities and a more deliberate approach to creative and strategic work. 

 

“The shifts seen in 2025 now lay the groundwork for the year ahead. Many of the pressures that influence the industry will continue, but their direction is becoming clearer,” says Dr Elaine van Wyk, Group Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at the African Marketing Confederation (AMC). 

 

“Brands are preparing an environment that values stable identity, careful use of technology, and stronger relationships with audiences.” 

 

According to Van Wyk, the lessons of the past year point toward several likely changes in 2026. Among them:

Dr Elaine van Wyk

Dr Elaine van Wyk. Photo: Supplied

  • We can expect brands to lean into purpose-led creativity more than ever. With G20-level support for culture, the creative economy is being framed not just as entertainment, but as a socio-economic engine. 
  • There will likely be more cross-border collaborations: think creators and agencies from Africa, Asia and beyond working in partnership, driven by the push for cultural and digital equity. 
  • Media strategies will need to account for the tension between trust and reach. As information integrity becomes a G20 priority, brands may be judged not just on how loudly they speak, but by how responsible they are. 
  • The use of AI in creative work will most likely deepen, but under stricter ethical expectations. G20-level talk about media training, data and fair compensation could affect how platforms and brands negotiate content rights. 
  • Tourism and place-branding campaigns may incorporate creative storytelling and immersive digital experiences (augmented and virtual reality tools) to align with global priorities around sustainable development and cultural heritage. 

Says Van Wyk: “2025 was the start of a broader reckoning. The G20 Summit gave formal weight to the power of culture, creativity and media integrity in the global economy. 

 

“Going into 2026, the brands that thrive will treat creativity as a core strategy which underpins sustainable growth, social impact and global engagement.” 

 

The AMC is a pan-African body dedicated to advancing marketing excellence across the continent through education, recognition and collaboration. Its annual awards and conference bring together the most influential marketing professionals to share insights, set benchmarks and shape the future of African marketing.

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Jason Lottering
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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.