Africa Monologue Challenge Season 3 Officially Launched: Ivory Coast Set to Host in March 2026

The Africa Monologue Challenge (AMC) Season 3 has been officially launched in a high-profile international press conference held in Accra, Ghana, drawing dignitaries from across Africa and members of the diplomatic corps. The ceremony confirmed Ivory Coast as the official host nation for the next edition, slated for March 2026, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Francophonie of Côte d’Ivoire.

The event, marked by powerful speeches and emotional highlights, reinforced AMC’s role as a Pan-African initiative connecting Africa’s creative economies through storytelling and film.

Delivering the opening remarks, Mr. Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, President of the African Chamber of Content Producers (ACCP), drew a powerful connection between Africa’s traditional storytelling heritage and the modern creative economy.

“Before the camera, Africa had its own Hollywood, the fireside. Through storytelling, our ancestors shaped honorable characters and preserved history. Today, the Africa Monologue Challenge rekindles that same fire to unite Africa, reshape our image, and inspire the next generation”, he stated.

Representing Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Mr. Divine Owusu Ansah, Director of Culture and Creative Arts, emphasized the ministry’s resolve to use the creative economy as a tool of economic diplomacy.

“Global economies use film as a soft power tool. Ghana’s creative economy will not only tell our story but grow our economy and promote our culture,” he said.

Joining virtually from Abidjan, Mr. Kouao Christian, Deputy Director of the Promotion of Theatre and Street Arts at the Ministry of Culture and Francophonie of Côte d’Ivoire, affirmed his government’s full commitment and readiness to host the third edition of the Africa Monologue Challenge. He commended the AMC for uniting African youth through creativity and cultural expression, describing the project as “a modern reflection of Pan-African solidarity through the arts.”

Also joining virtually was Madam Grace Kabayo, Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties at the Office of the President of Uganda and Secretary General of the Pan-African Women’s Organization (PAWO), who spoke on behalf of the Season 2 host nation, Uganda.

She fondly recalled how young African creatives from across the continent lived together in Uganda’s “Pan-African House” during the 2024 edition, describing it as “a moment when Africa truly came home to Uganda.” She celebrated the cultural exchange that took place through food, dance, language, and tradition, and expressed Uganda’s pride in supporting the production of the first Pan-African feature film by AMC finalists.

Madam Samlara Baah Kodua, Head of Show 24 at the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, commended the AMC team and highlighted her department’s interest in supporting creative projects that drive Africa’s economic transformation.

From the Africa Prosperity Network (APN), Madam Ashley Asenso, Head of Partnerships, reaffirmed APN’s commitment to using Africa’s creative economy to drive prosperity. She also announced APN’s role as Associate Producer for AMC’s first Pan-African feature film, to be shot in Uganda and planned documentary on AU Agenda 2063.

Mr. Louis Yaw Afful, Executive Director of the AfCFTA Policy Network Group, confirmed their strategic partnership with AMC, recognising it as a vital cultural tool to advance the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.

“The AMC is what AfCFTA needs to succeed. It connects people beyond borders. We will engage with Afreximbank to ensure Pan-African creatives get the support they deserve,” he said.

Madam Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, CEO and Founder of the Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF), commended AMC’s resilience and growth:

“When Mawuko Kuadzi and Nana Dwomoh-Doyen first shared this dream, it seemed herculean. But from Ghana to Uganda and now to Ivory Coast, they have proven that persistence pays.”

International partners Cinema UG (Uganda) and Film Biz Show (South Africa) also delivered virtual solidarity messages, applauding AMC’s unifying impact on Africa’s creative ecosystem.

The emotional highlight of the evening was the unveiling of veteran Ghanaian actor, Fred Nii Amugi, as the Noble Personality of Africa under the Humserve Africa Noble Acts Project.
The honor was conferred by Humserve Africa Foundation, in partnership with the African Chamber of Content Producers, the Africa Monologue Challenge, APRIL-STEM, and other Pan-African organizations.

George Egeh, Executive Director of Humserve Africa, and Nana Nketia, board member of the African Chamber of Content Producers presented the citation and sash, recognising Amugi’s exemplary life having served directly under four Ghanaian presidents without blemish and sustaining a 40-year acting career unmarred by scandal.
An emotional Fred Amugi, assisted by comedian Clemento Suarez, expressed heartfelt gratitude:

“Live your life as though someone is watching, because someone always is. Let integrity be your legacy,” he said.

Kelvin King Dawie, CEO of King Dawie Publishers, and Gabriella Boateng, Project Coordinator, announced their partnership with AMC in an upcoming documentary project celebrating veteran Nigerian actor Pete Edochie.
Madam Boateng revealed plans to integrate screenings of the documentary into AMC’s activities in Ivory Coast.

Season 2 winner Maud Guerrard, joining virtually from Abidjan, expressed her excitement and the readiness of the Ivorian people to host the continent “Ivory Coast is ready to welcome Africa, to share our culture, our art, and our spirit with the world.”

In closing, Mawuko Kuadzi, CEO of MK Casting and Co-Founder of AMC, reflected on the vision behind the initiative: “The success of one African is the success of all. AMC was born out of Ubuntu, the spirit of unity that defines us. The journey has just begun.” He announced Evivi foods as the official food sponsor of the AMC Season 3, promoting food security and sovereignty for Africa.

The official declaration of AMC Ivory Coast 2026 was led by actor and insurance consultant Peter Ritchie, the event’s MC, alongside his Francophone co-host, Moni Lek. The announcement was met with cheers and applause as the countdown to Abidjan 2026 officially began.

The press conference was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigeria High Commission, the Zambian Embassy, and members of the diplomatic corps, alongside creative industry stakeholders and media houses.