CTIS London 2026: Africa’s Creative Economy Takes Centre Stage on the Global Investment Agenda
London, United Kingdom — Conversations around the future of Africa’s creative economy took center stage at the 5th Commonwealth Trade & Investment Summit (CTIS) 2026 in London, as global leaders, investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders gathered to explore new pathways for trade, investment, innovation, and economic growth across Commonwealth nations.
On Day 2 of the summit, Dr. Ngozi Omambala, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NMO Management Ltd and Vice Chair (Creative Economy) of NACCIMA, joined high-level discussions focused on unlocking the economic potential of Africa’s creative industries and positioning the sector as a major driver of sustainable development.
Among the notable international stakeholders participating in the engagements were Lord Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council (CWEIC), and Marie Ekeland, CEO of 2050, both of whom contributed insights on global investment trends, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of emerging markets.
Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Dr. Omambala emphasized the growing importance of creating stronger links between creativity, capital, trade, and long-term value creation across Africa.
According to her, Africa’s creative sector possesses enormous untapped potential capable of generating jobs, attracting foreign investment, driving exports, and contributing significantly to economic diversification across the continent.
The discussions also highlighted ongoing initiatives championed through the SEFP (Sustainable Economic Futures Platform), the Artistic Pulse Festival (APF) & Trade Fair, and TAN, platforms designed to support creative entrepreneurs, facilitate market access, encourage innovation, and promote cross-border collaborations.
Industry experts at the summit noted that the global creative economy continues to expand rapidly, creating new opportunities in sectors such as entertainment, fashion, digital media, arts, culture, tourism, technology, and intellectual property development.
For Africa, stakeholders believe that strengthening policy frameworks, improving access to financing, investing in talent development, and fostering international partnerships will be critical to unlocking the sector’s full economic potential.
As conversations at CTIS London 2026 continue, NMO Management Ltd reaffirmed its commitment to building sustainable ecosystems that connect creative talent with investment opportunities, trade networks, and global markets.
The summit further underscored the growing recognition of Africa’s creative economy as a strategic pillar for economic transformation, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth in the years ahead.
Dr. Ngozi Omambala serves as Convener of SEFP and Founder of the Artistic Pulse Festival (APF) & Trade Fair and TAN, initiatives dedicated to advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development within Africa’s creative ecosystem.
Fawumi Kayode Abiodun
Political Analyst | CEO, Ekocity Media | Publisher, Ekocity Magazine and The Capitol Post
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