Cape Town To Host Africa & The Middle East’s Creative Community For Loeries Creative Week 2026
Cape Town is set to become the centre of Africa and the Middle East’s creative industry as leading creative professionals, brands, agencies, marketers, media practitioners, educators and emerging talent converge in the city for Loeries Creative Week 2026, scheduled to run from October 4 to 9.
The six-day programme will bring together some of the region’s most influential creative voices for a series of events focused on creativity, innovation, learning and industry engagement.
More than an awards programme, Loeries Creative Week is positioned as a platform for conversations and connections shaping the future of the creative economy. It will combine the celebration of outstanding creative work with opportunities for professionals to learn from established industry leaders, discover emerging talent and explore how creativity is evolving in response to cultural, commercial and technological changes.
The week will culminate in the Loerie Awards on October 8 and 9, where some of the most impactful creative work from across Africa and the Middle East will be recognised.
The 2026 edition returns to Cape Town, which will serve as the backdrop for judging, knowledge sharing, industry networking and celebration. The city’s established creative ecosystem, comprising advertising and design agencies, production companies, educational institutions, cultural organisations and other creative businesses, makes it a natural meeting point for the region’s creative community.
Among the key events planned for the week is the Loeries International Seminar of Creativity, which will feature more than a dozen speakers from around the world sharing ideas, experiences and perspectives on creative excellence.
Delegates will also have access to MasterClasses, the Loeries Expo and the highly anticipated Loeries Official Afterparty, scheduled to take place at Cabo Beach Club.
According to Loeries CEO Preetesh Sewraj, the organisation continues to evolve the Creative Week experience to ensure it remains relevant to the changing needs of the industry.
“Loeries Creative Week is constantly innovating and this year will provide another opportunity for the industry to not only experience a wide range of events but also access the latest thinking on how to create breakthrough work,” Sewraj said.
He added that the 2026 programme would feature global communications industry legends, including Susan Credle from the United States and Dörte Spengler-Ahrens from Germany, further strengthening the international dimension of the event.
The 2026 Loeries will also introduce changes to its award categories, reflecting the changing nature of creative practice and the growing importance of recognising strategic thinking and emerging talent alongside creative execution.
A new Creative Strategy category will recognise the thinking, insights and strategic problem-solving that underpin outstanding creative work. The category is designed to highlight how strong strategic direction can transform insights into ideas that connect with audiences and generate meaningful impact.
Another new addition is the Young Directors Award, which will spotlight emerging film directors from Africa and the Middle East. The category aims to give young filmmaking talent greater visibility while creating stronger pathways into the broader creative industry.
Meanwhile, the Audio & Radio category has been expanded with new subcategories to reflect the growing use of audio across traditional broadcasting, digital platforms, branded content and emerging formats.
Together, the changes demonstrate the Loeries’ commitment to recognising established creative excellence while also creating space for new ideas, disciplines and voices that are shaping the industry’s future.
The City of Cape Town has also welcomed the return of the event, highlighting the city’s position as an international destination for creative and cultural exchange.
“The City of Cape Town is a truly global city, which is why attendees from across Africa and the Middle East feel at home to celebrate their work, perspectives and talent during Loeries Creative Week,” said Leonora de Souza-Zilwa, Director of Film & Events for the City of Cape Town.
“We are such proud hosts of The Loeries and look forward to welcoming everyone to the city in October.”
With its combination of awards, seminars, masterclasses, exhibitions and networking opportunities, Loeries Creative Week 2026 is expected to provide a significant platform for the region’s creative community to exchange ideas, celebrate achievement and shape the next chapter of Africa and the Middle East’s creative industry.