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MASA, the African performing arts market

MASA

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A pan-African performing arts event held every two years since 1993, at once a marketplace, a professional forum and a festival. The 14th edition ran from 11 to 18 April 2026, with entries from 51 countries.

What African performing companies lack is not talent but buyers and touring networks. MASA was designed to bring the world's programme buyers to one place.

CE QUE VOUS VERREZ · What you will see

In April of even years, the area around the Palais de la Culture in Treichville fills with dancers, theatre companies and storytellers from many countries, and programme buyers in suits.

POURQUOI · So what

It shows Côte d'Ivoire wants to be the market for Africa's cultural industries, not just a festival host. The next edition is in 2028.

SAVOIR-FAIRE · How to use it

Sum up the difference in one line: 'MASA is not just a festival, it's a market.' For anyone wanting to bring African performances to Asia, this is the most important week.

Asian and European parallelsLike the Edinburgh Fringe combined with a performing arts market, with a layer of cultural diplomacy on top.

Where to experience itPalais de la Culture, Treichville.

On these routes

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