Entertainment Week Ghana has opened its 2026 edition with the return of its Creative Economy Incubator and Deal Room, which links creative-industry start-ups with mentors and investors, organisers said.
The platform first ran in December 2025. This year it is pitching itself on business rather than showcase events, with a stronger focus on technology, artificial intelligence and capital for creative entrepreneurs.
It faces a crowded regional calendar. Entertainment Week Africa returns to Lagos from 17 to 22 November for its fifth edition; its 2025 Deal Room drew more than 178 entries. The CANEX WKND creative-economy gathering is also due in Lagos from 5 to 8 November. By comparison, Ghana’s incubator received more than 50 submissions in its first year, and the winner took home GH¢50,000, according to the organisers.
For 2026, the organisers say the incubator will target businesses in several fields:
- media and storytelling;
- fashion technology and e-commerce;
- tools that help creators earn money;
- streaming and distribution;
- fan engagement;
- gaming, sport, film and television;
- event technology.
Selected entrepreneurs will receive mentoring in technology, finance, legal matters and business development. The organisers name Paystack, WeTransfer and Google among the programme’s partners. They have not yet announced application deadlines or prize money for this year’s cohort.
The Entertainment Week Ghana Summit, which will bring together creatives, founders, investors and brands, is scheduled for 28 November at Bloombar in Accra. Businesses from the incubator will get a chance to meet investors there. An art exhibition with Sankofa Gallery follows on 29 November. In December, the programme continues with a second edition of the Atalé fashion party and the return of the Airwaves music festival.
The organisers also plan to publish a first Creative Economy Report on Ghana’s creative industries, though they have not yet given details. They argue that reliable data on creative businesses remains scarce across Africa.
The 2025 edition was endorsed by the Black Star Experience, the National Film Authority and the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment. Konica Minolta was a major sponsor, and Idris Elba’s Akuna Pod and Ashesi University took part as partners. This year’s edition is backed by BlacVolta, PartyXtra and Q Africa.
