FULL EVENT SCHEDULE
Explore the keynotes, cultural showcases, performances, exhibitions, and creative
sessions taking place across the three days of
CRAFT Festival 2026.
Day 1: Thursday
Apr 30, 2026
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6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Arrival & Welcome Drink
Guests arrive to light refreshments and live art. Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Opening Toast
Welcome remarks and acknowledgments of key partners. Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Art & Music Interlude
Pan-African music and live art expressions. Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Networking Session
Informal exchange among delegates and creators Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Day 2: Friday
May 01, 2026
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9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Registration & Marketplace Opening
Guests explore marketplace and tech exhibits. Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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9:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Opening Film – “CRAFT: The Rise of a Creative Continent”
Short cinematic introduction. Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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9:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Opening Remarks
Welcome by Festival Chair & official representatives. Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Keynote – Creativity as Infrastructure for Africa’s Future
Visionary address on creativity and development. Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
The Business of Creativity
Exploring how creative industries power Africa’s economy. Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
CRAFT Master-Talks
Inspirational sessions on AI, brand storytelling, and creative entrepreneurship. Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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2:00 PM – 2:50 PM
Culture as Industry
How film, music, and design drive GDP and exports. Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Tech for Creativity – The New Collaboration Era
Exploring AI and digital innovation in the arts Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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3:00 PM – 3:40 PM
Gaming, Virtual Production & Storytelling
Showcasing Africa’s gaming and XR pioneers Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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3:00 PM – 3:40 PM
Creative Investment & Market Positioning
Exploring new funding models and brand strategies. Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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3:50 PM – 4:30 PM
The Next Million Creative Jobs
Global private leaders share policy solutions for creative employment Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
CRAFT Masterclass Series
Hands-on learning in AI design, leader ship, and mobile filmmaking. Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
CRAFT Addis Declaration & Innovation Fund Launch
Formal commitments and fund announcement Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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7:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Africa Fashion Futures Runway
Designers blend heritage with innovation Location: Arada Park
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8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Awards Gala
Honoring Creative Policy, Youth Empowerment, Sustainability, and Tech for Good. Lifetime Award: Mulatu Astatke. Location: Arada Park
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9:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Grand Finale Concert – “Sounds of Africa”
Live performance by Mulatu Astatke & collaborators. Location: Arada Park
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10:30 PM – 10:45 AM
Launch of CRAFT Digital Freelance Platform
Presentation of Africa’s creative marketplace. Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Day 3: Saturday
May 02, 2026
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9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Departure & Orientation
Delegates gather for a guided intro to the day’s journey Location: Arada Park
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10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Cultural & Creative Exploration
Visits to art spaces and creative hubs with performances and interactive sessions Location: Arada Park
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3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Closing & Departure
Shared insights and farewell moments. Location: Arada Park
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6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Red Carpet & Reception
Media coverage and live Ethio-jazz set. Location: Arada Park
BE PART
OF THE
MOVEMENT!
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