ArtistDirect News
MIAF Opens Call for ACCES 2027-28 Host Cities; Deadline November 15
The Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) has officially opened its bidding process for the 2027 and 2028 editions of its flagship event, the Music in Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES). The call invites officially registered African organisations to submit proposals for a host city, with the application deadline set for 15 November 2026.
ACCES, launched in 2017, is an annual music trade event that travels to a different African city each year. The conference brings together more than 1,000 delegates from over 45 countries, including artists, executives, investors, policymakers, media, cultural organisations and other professionals across the music value chain. The programme is tailored to each host market and typically includes a major industry conference, exhibitions, a showcase festival, Industry Nights, workshops, masterclasses, songwriting camps, investment and copyright forums, networking activities and partner‑led side events.
Hosting ACCES offers a city a platform to display its music, culture and creative economy to a global audience. MIAF estimates that a 500‑delegate edition can generate roughly US$1.28 million in direct expenditure in the host country, and can create over 300 jobs in the host city. The event also provides long‑term opportunities through media exposure, music export, potential investment and the establishment of international business relationships.
The bidding process is structured as follows:
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 will be responsible for covering reasonable travel and accommodation costs for up to two MIAF officials who will conduct the official site visit.
Eligibility criteria for applicants are:
Must be an officially registered African organisation with the authority and mandate to represent or coordinate a proposed host city. Eligible bodies include government institutions, municipalities, tourism and cultural agencies, convention bureaux and other suitably mandated organisations. The proposed city must meet infrastructure, commercial, safety and logistical requirements as outlined in the Host City Bidding Guidelines. * Applicants must provide information and photographs of proposed conference, exhibition and live music venues, attach a signed and stamped official bid letter, and complete the online application form in English.
The bidding guidelines, bid‑letter template and further information are available on the MIAF website under the “Bid to Host ACCES” page. Applications submitted via email or other channels will not be considered.
MIAF’s Executive Director Eddie Hatitye said the bidding process is designed to evaluate opportunities transparently and build editions that leave a lasting impact. He added that ACCES is built through strong partnerships with host markets.
Since its launch, 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. Countries that hosted ACCES prior to 2022, such as Ghana, Kenya and Senegal, are eligible to bid again.
The call for bids is part of MIAF’s broader mission to support the African music sector through information exchange, networking and professional development. The foundation, headquartered in Johannesburg, also operates a regional information portal and organizes the annual conference.
As of now, no city has submitted a bid. The next step for interested parties is to review the bidding guidelines, prepare the required documentation and submit an application by the 15 November deadline.
The outcome of the bidding process will be announced on 15 March 2027, after which the selected cities will begin preparations for the 2027 and 2028 ACCES editions.
ACCES, launched in 2017, is an annual music trade event that travels to a different African city each year. The conference brings together more than 1,000 delegates from over 45 countries, including artists, executives, investors, policymakers, media, cultural organisations and other professionals across the music value chain. The programme is tailored to each host market and typically includes a major industry conference, exhibitions, a showcase festival, Industry Nights, workshops, masterclasses, songwriting camps, investment and copyright forums, networking activities and partner‑led side events.
Hosting ACCES offers a city a platform to display its music, culture and creative economy to a global audience. MIAF estimates that a 500‑delegate edition can generate roughly US$1.28 million in direct expenditure in the host country, and can create over 300 jobs in the host city. The event also provides long‑term opportunities through media exposure, music export, potential investment and the establishment of international business relationships.
The bidding process is structured as follows:
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 will be responsible for covering reasonable travel and accommodation costs for up to two MIAF officials who will conduct the official site visit.
Eligibility criteria for applicants are:
Must be an officially registered African organisation with the authority and mandate to represent or coordinate a proposed host city. Eligible bodies include government institutions, municipalities, tourism and cultural agencies, convention bureaux and other suitably mandated organisations. The proposed city must meet infrastructure, commercial, safety and logistical requirements as outlined in the Host City Bidding Guidelines. * Applicants must provide information and photographs of proposed conference, exhibition and live music venues, attach a signed and stamped official bid letter, and complete the online application form in English.
The bidding guidelines, bid‑letter template and further information are available on the MIAF website under the “Bid to Host ACCES” page. Applications submitted via email or other channels will not be considered.
MIAF’s Executive Director Eddie Hatitye said the bidding process is designed to evaluate opportunities transparently and build editions that leave a lasting impact. He added that ACCES is built through strong partnerships with host markets.
Since its launch, 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. Countries that hosted ACCES prior to 2022, such as Ghana, Kenya and Senegal, are eligible to bid again.
The call for bids is part of MIAF’s broader mission to support the African music sector through information exchange, networking and professional development. The foundation, headquartered in Johannesburg, also operates a regional information portal and organizes the annual conference.
As of now, no city has submitted a bid. The next step for interested parties is to review the bidding guidelines, prepare the required documentation and submit an application by the 15 November deadline.
The outcome of the bidding process will be announced on 15 March 2027, after which the selected cities will begin preparations for the 2027 and 2028 ACCES editions.