Open call: ACCES host city bidding for 2025 and 2026

The bidding system allows any African country or city to apply to host the prestigious annual event. This move will make the event more accessible to any country that is willing to collaborate with the MIAF in implementing ACCES for a period of up to two years.

Interested parties can submit the bid online before the deadline on 2 November 2024 at 12am CAT.

Since 2017, ACCES has beenthe MIAF’s flagship platform for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent and accelerate the shaping of a vibrant music sector on the continent.

ACCES features a robust conference programme with big industry names, an eclectic showcase festival, capacity-building workshops, industry-wide exhibitions, networking sessions, industry awards, and trips to key music hubs in the host city. Each year the event is attended by over 1 000 delegates from over 50 countries, including some of the biggest names in the global music value chain. Each edition of ACCES contributes immensely to the local host city’s economy and music industry. ACCES is also the practical learning ground for participants of the Gender@Work programme – a special initiative designed to upskill women in the music industry.

“After six years of building ACCES as a powerful music market on the continent, the MIAF is proud to introduce a bidding system that will enable interested countries to bid for an opportunity to host ACCES,” the MIAF executive director Eddie Hatitye said.

 “ACCES thrives on reciprocal partnerships and collaborations with local markets. The bidding strategy is a crucial step in making ACCES more accessible, transparent, impactful and sustainable,” Hatitye added.

Launched in 2017, ACCES has quickly become the premier music market for the African continent.  Previous host cities of the event include Dakar (2017), Nairobi (2018), Accra (2019), Johannesburg (2021) and Dar es Salaam (2022 and 2023). Kigali is set to host the event from 14 to 16 November 2024.

How to apply

• Read the bidding guidelines carefully.
• Collect all requirements
• Complete the online bidding form in English or French.
• Only African countries may bid to host ACCES.
• The bidding office must have the authority and mandate to bid for such an event as ACCES.
• The bidding office must be an officially registered entity.
• The bidding city/country must not have hosted ACCES more than once before.
• The bidding country must meet the minimum requirements of hosting ACCES as described in the bidding regulations document.

Note: To submit an application, you can review all the guidelines HERE.

For any inquiries contact Ms. Claire Metais at claire@musicinafrica.net.