Joburg’s buzzing creator scene is about to level up. On Saturday, 6 September 2025, the Africa Creator Festival is back at Focus Rooms, bringing together some of the continent’s sharpest digital minds for a day packed with inspiration, networking, and next-level strategy.
This year’s theme is one every content creator should be paying attention to: “How to grow the Creator Economy through more streams of revenue, outside of brand deals.” It’s a timely conversation for an industry that’s booming but still battling challenges around sustainability and over-reliance on brand partnerships.
Founded by Jolene Roelofse, the festival isn’t about celebrating content for content’s sake—it’s about treating creativity like the serious business it is. “The creator economy in Africa is exploding with potential, but too often we only look at brand deals as the end game. This Festival challenges creators to think bigger,” says Roelofse. Think: building products, leveraging intellectual property, and creating businesses that last.
What to expect
From 09:00 to 16:30, attendees will dive into interactive panels, hands-on masterclasses, and essential networking sessions covering everything from monetisation hacks beyond brand partnerships to Spotify, TikTok and YouTube deep dives.
Big-name brands like SABC and JC Le Roux will unpack what long-term influencer partnerships really look like, while creators including Jaxx Amahle, Thobi Rose and Mohale will share how they carved their own niches in a competitive space.
Why it matters
Africa’s creator economy is among the fastest-growing globally, but the income streams are often inconsistent, and access to opportunity isn’t always equal. This festival sets out to change that—arming creators with digital playbooks, insider know-how, and the connections they need to future-proof their careers.
More than panels
Expect a cultural melting pot: installations, brand collaborations, and plenty of space to connect with other creators and media. With its mix of big-picture conversations and practical takeaways, the Africa Creator Festival is positioning itself as more than just an event—it’s a movement.
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