Following an extension of the deadline for Pitcher Awards entries due to overwhelming popular demand, CHINI AFRICA, organizer of Pitcher Festival, Africa’s premier celebration of creativity across marketing, advertising, digital, media, PR, and entertainment, has announced new dates for its 2026 edition.
The programme, originally scheduled for 14 – 16 May, will now take place from 28 – 30 May 2026 to accommodate the increased volume of submissions and ensure jurors have the time required to thoroughly evaluate work deserving of recognition at the Pitcher Awards, Africa’s most respected benchmark of creative excellence. The full 2026 programme schedule will launch on Monday, 18 May on the Pitcher Festival website and will be open for registration.
The updated programme will open on 28 May with the announcement of the Pitcher Awards 2026 shortlist, setting the tone for three days of insight, inspiration, and celebration.
The programme will feature a rich lineup of online sessions, including thought‑provoking conversations from Pitcher Talks and a comprehensive review of activities from the Young Pitcher Academy and Future Pitcher Academy during the Building the Future programme. It will also include an in‑depth look at this year’s entries and judging process through Inside the Jury Room, offering rare access to jury perspectives and standout work from across the continent.
The final rounds of both the Young Pitcher Competition and the Future Pitcher Competition will take place during the three‑day programme, showcasing the next generation of African creative talent. The event will conclude with the highly anticipated Pitcher Awards Show, where top winners and special award honourees will be announced, followed by the publication of the full winners list on the Pitcher Festival website.
According to Dr. Nnamdi Ndu, CEO of CHINI AFRICA, with its expanded schedule and renewed energy, Pitcher Festival 2026 is set to deliver an exciting and inspiring showcase of African creativity across all tracks, including Pitcher Awards, Pitcher Archive, Pitcher Impact, Pitcher Academies, Pitcher Talks, and Pitcher Showcase.
