Open call: African cities invited to bid to host ACCES in 2027 and 2028

Held in a different African city each year, ACCES brings the global music industry to the continent. Recent editions have attracted more than 1,000 delegates from over 45 countries, including artists, executives, investors, policymakers, media, cultural organisations and professionals working across the music value chain.

The programme is adapted to each host market and generally includes a major industry conference, exhibitions, a showcase festival and Industry Nights, workshops and masterclasses, songwriting camps, investment and copyright forums, networking activities and partner-led side events.

Hosting ACCES gives a city an opportunity to showcase its music, culture and creative economy to an international audience. It can also generate significant activity for local venues, hotels, restaurants, transport providers, technical suppliers, tourism businesses, artists and other parts of the music ecosystem.

Based on expenditure patterns recorded during previous editions, an illustrative model involving 500 visiting delegates estimates approximately $1.28 million in direct expenditure in the host country. The event also creates longer-term opportunities through international business relationships, media exposure, music export, potential investment and over 300 jobs created in the host city per each edition.. Actual impact will depend on the host market, programme size and local conditions.

“ACCES is built through strong partnerships with its host markets,” MIAF Executive Director Eddie Hatitye said. “We want cities to show us how hosting ACCES can support their local music industries while creating a meaningful meeting point between Africa and the global music business. The bidding process allows us to evaluate those opportunities transparently and build editions that leave a lasting impact.”

Who may apply?

Bids may be submitted by officially registered African organisations with the authority and mandate to represent or coordinate a proposed host city. Applicants may include government institutions, municipalities, tourism and cultural agencies, convention bureaux or other suitably mandated organisations.

The successful host will work closely with MIAF, which retains responsibility for the overall direction, programming and implementation of ACCES. The host partner will be expected to provide or secure key infrastructure, financial and logistical support, local industry mobilisation, safety coordination and assistance with relevant permits and visa processes.

How to apply

Applicants must:

• Download and carefully read the official Host City Bidding Guidelines.
• Confirm that the proposed city meets the infrastructure, commercial, safety and logistical requirements.
• Prepare information and photographs of the proposed conference, exhibition and live music venues.
• Attach a signed and stamped official bid letter, including a brief motivation for hosting ACCES.
• Complete the online application form in English.
• Submit the application by 15 November 2026.

Bids must be submitted through the official online form available on the official bid page here. Applicants must download and review the complete bidding guidelines before applying. The guidelines, official bid-letter template and further information are available on the Bid to Host ACCES page.

Applications submitted by email or through any other channel will not be considered.

Selection process

• Application deadline: 15 November 2026
• Shortlisted bidders notified: 15 December 2026
• Site visits and further assessments: 15 January–28 February 2027
• Final decision: 15 March 2027

Shortlisted bidders invited to the assessment stage will be responsible for the reasonable travel and accommodation costs of up to two MIAF officials undertaking an official site visit.

For enquiries, contact Claire Metais at [email protected].

Since its launch in 2017, ACCES has been hosted in Dakar, Nairobi, Accra, Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, Kigali and Pretoria. Johannesburg will host the 2026 edition from 28 to 31 October.