DAR ES SALAAM: Designers, artists and stakeholders in the creative industry have been encouraged to participate in the Mashariki Creative Economy Expo 2026, a platform aimed at unlocking new business opportunities, partnerships and market access for creative works. The event will take place in Dar es Salaam from August 18 to 21, 2026.
The expo is organized by the Culture and Development East Africa (CDEA).
Speaking in Dar es Salaam today, CDEA Project Manager Angela Kilusungu said the platform will bring together creatives from the film, music, visual arts, interior design, writing and publishing sectors to showcase their work, build business networks and exchange experiences that add value to their creative products.
She said that through business conversations, training sessions and expert panel discussions, participants will learn how to establish productive partnerships. For example, filmmakers will have opportunities to connect with music producers to develop collaborative projects, creating new income streams and contributing to the growth of the creative economy.
Kilusungu noted that, for the first time, the expo will feature a dedicated legal help desk to provide advice on contracts, copyright registration, protection of creative works and expanding copyright registration across African markets. She said the initiative will help creatives safeguard their intellectual property and maximize revenue from their work.
She urged designers, artists and the public to register and participate in large numbers, saying the expo has been specifically designed to strengthen the capacity of creatives, open up new markets and connect them with investors and other stakeholders in Tanzania and across East Africa.
Meanwhile, Nelson Swai from the Copyright Society of Tanzania (COSOTA) said the organization oversees the protection of creative works and has been raising awareness among artists about the importance of registering their works to safeguard their rights and earn income in accordance with the law.