Aké Arts and Book Festival 2026

The Aké Arts and Book Festival, one of Africa's best-known literary gatherings, holds its fourteenth edition in Lagos from Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 November. This year's theme, "Native Intelligence", sets the knowledge carried in proverbs, language and ritual against what machines are now learning to imitate, and asks how AI is changing storytelling and the news.

Over three days there are panel discussions, book chats, poetry, music and book signings, with writers, filmmakers and thinkers from across the continent and the diaspora. New books by African authors are featured in the run-up.

A festival ticket costs ₦20,000 online (₦25,000 at the venue) and includes the festival guide, the Aké Review and access to every event; a limited Green Room package is also on sale.