The Mashariki Creative Economy Expo 2026 is underway from August 18 to August 21 at Mlimani City in Dar Es Salaam, bringing together over 1,000 regional participants, 50 companies, and 20 intellectual property experts from across seven countries. Designed as an IP-led, investment-driven trade platform, the summit focuses on converting spatial designs, literary works, and media assets into tradable intellectual property.
During Day 2 of the event, Kenya’s Cecilia Nakhungu Mbati took the stage as a featured panelist, contributing to key industry discussions alongside a prominent delegation of East African creative leaders and policy advocates.
Key Focus Areas for 2026
- African Heritage Interior Design & Resale Ecosystem: Focuses on embedding indigenous African heritage into contemporary commercial and residential interior design while structuring resale rights and royalty frameworks to protect spatial designers and visual artists.
- Film IP Rights Trading: Expands cross-border film distribution through co-production agreements and shared IP ownership models.
- Music Licensing for Sports Tournaments: Establishes commercial licensing systems for sporting events, featuring the launch of the Copyright Friendly Label (CFL).
- Trading Rights for Literary Storytellers: Connects literary works, screen adaptations, audiobooks, and translations across regional markets.
Regional Delegations
- Kenya: Cecilia Nakhungu Mbati (Interior Design Society of Kenya), Elizabeth Lenjo, Timothy Odhiambo Owase, Anne Kinya Gitonga, Ezekiel Thomas Onyango, Peter Mudamba, Roy Gitahi Nduhiu, David Waweru, James Kibara Marua, Rose Akinyi Opondo, and George Gachara.
- Uganda: Polly Kamukama, Bakaye Lubega Bernard, Mathew Nabwiso Henry, Lillian Mary Kiwanuka, Goretti Kyomuhendo, Jane Okot P’ Bitek Langoya, Timothy Wangusa, Margaret Nerima, Charles Batambuze, Helena Lynn Pira, and Geoffrey Ekongot.
- Nigeria: Eghosa Obasogie Imasuen, Titi Sandra Ogufere, and Adebayo Ademola Adeniji.
- South Africa: Zukiswa Wanner and Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
- Rwanda: Yuhi Amuli and Christian Rudahinyuka.
- Ghana: Ama Gyakewa Dadson.
- Ethiopia: Tamara Mariam Dawit.
- Zambia: Getrude Ngenda.
By aligning spatial design and creative disciplines with major economic drivers—including urban development, real estate, tourism, and sports—Mashariki Expo 2026 provides actionable B2B deal-making opportunities and legal frameworks for creative rights across Africa.
