Actor Spaces is set to deliver a major creative industry experience in Lusaka, Zambia through a strategic partnership with the Africa Creative Market (ACM) and the Creative Industry Business Summit (CIBS) 2026. The collaboration will bring intensive in-person training sessions starting in mid-June, followed by a transformative conference aimed at strengthening the skills and careers of actors across Africa. This initiative is designed to equip performers with practical tools, industry knowledge and direct access to platforms that influence casting and production decisions. It also reflects a growing commitment to building stronger creative industries across the continent. For many actors, this event represents a direct pathway into professional opportunities in film, television and digital media.
The programme is built around the theme “Unlocking the African Actor,” which focuses on removing barriers that limit access to the creative industry. It aims to support actors at different stages of their careers, from beginners seeking training to experienced performers looking to expand into international markets. Participants will gain exposure to performance development, character interpretation and the business side of acting. The sessions will also address how actors can position themselves in a fast-changing global entertainment landscape. This approach ensures that talent development goes beyond performance and includes career sustainability.
A key feature of the Lusaka experience will be its practical structure, which combines learning with real industry engagement. The programme will include keynote sessions delivered by industry leaders, panel discussions that explore current trends and masterclasses focused on professional acting techniques. Auditions will also form part of the experience, giving actors direct access to casting opportunities. Networking sessions will allow participants to connect with directors, producers, casting agents and fellow creatives. This hands-on format is designed to bridge the gap between training and employment in the creative sector.
Actor Spaces will use this platform to strengthen its mission of building accessible opportunities for African actors. The organisation has consistently focused on creating environments where talent can grow through mentorship, exposure and structured learning. By bringing its signature experience to Lusaka, it extends its reach beyond South Africa and deepens its presence across the region. Zambia becomes a key location in this expansion, offering local actors a chance to engage with continental and international industry stakeholders. The initiative also supports the development of Zambia’s growing creative economy.
The partnership with ACM and CIBS 2026 adds significant weight to the programme’s impact and reach. The Africa Creative Market has become a key platform for creative exchange, while the Creative Industry Business Summit focuses on the business and development side of the arts. Together with Actor Spaces, these institutions are building a space where creativity meets opportunity. The collaboration is expected to attract participants from across Africa, making Lusaka a central hub for creative dialogue during the event period. This level of cooperation reflects the increasing importance of cross-border collaboration in the creative sector.
The event will take place at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Zambia on July 2, 2026, running from 08:00 to 16:00. The full ACM and CIBS programme will span from June 29 to July 2, 2026, creating several days of continuous engagement, training and industry networking. This extended schedule allows participants to fully immerse themselves in learning and professional development. It also ensures that actors gain both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure to industry expectations. The timing and structure are designed to maximize impact for all participants.
For young actors and emerging creatives, the Lusaka programme offers a rare opportunity to access structured industry training and real career pathways. Many aspiring performers struggle with limited access to casting networks and professional guidance, and this initiative directly addresses that challenge. By combining training, auditions and networking, the programme creates a direct link between talent and opportunity. It also encourages actors to understand their craft as both an art and a business. This dual focus is essential for long-term success in the entertainment industry.
The “Unlocking the African Actor” theme also reflects a broader vision for the continent’s creative future. African film and television industries are expanding rapidly, with increasing demand for skilled actors who can perform across different formats and markets. Initiatives like this help prepare talent for both local and international opportunities. They also strengthen collaboration between countries, allowing actors to move more freely within the African creative ecosystem. Lusaka’s hosting of this event highlights Zambia’s growing role in regional creative development.
As anticipation builds, the Actor Spaces experience in Lusaka is expected to attract strong participation from across the continent. The combination of training, auditions, networking and industry dialogue creates a powerful platform for career growth. It also reinforces the importance of structured development in building sustainable creative industries. For many actors, this event could serve as a turning point in their professional journey. Actor Spaces, alongside ACM and CIBS 2026, continues to position Africa’s creative talent for greater visibility, opportunity and global recognition.