African music is conquering global charts, but organisers of the Africa Music Business Roundtable (AMBR) say the real work lies ahead. They want to create business models that let creators, rights holders, and investors capture more value from the continent's booming sound.
Lagos will host the second edition of the Africa Music Business Roundtable and Music Tech Nigeria from 16 to 18 July 2026. The programme spans music monetisation, copyright administration, artificial intelligence, music publishing, streaming fraud, data integrity, digital distribution, investment opportunities, music technology, intellectual property protection, licensing, policy development, and the creator economy.
The roundtable itself runs 16 to 17 July, while Music Tech Nigeria takes place on 18 July. Obi Asika, the director general and chief executive officer of the National Council for Arts and Culture, will deliver a keynote address.
Speakers and delegates are travelling from Norway, India, the United Kingdom, France, Kenya, and South Africa. The gathering reflects a genuinely global focus on Africa's music future.
Michael Odiong, co-founder of both events, said the conference aims to shift the conversation away from pure entertainment. "Nigeria has become one of the world's most influential music markets.
The next phase of growth requires stronger institutions, better policies, improved intellectual property protection, technology-driven solutions and greater collaboration between industry stakeholders. That is what Season Two represents," he said.
Odiong told reporters the international lineup shows organisers are positioning Nigeria as a centre for global music business dialogue. "This is more than a conference.
It is a platform where ideas become partnerships, where policy meets innovation, and where Africa's music industry charts its next phase of growth," he added.
The event will bring together young entrepreneurs, startups, students, artists, and independent music professionals with industry experts. Expect keynote sessions, roundtable discussions, networking receptions, business matchmaking opportunities, and technology showcases.
Organisers noted that attendance requires an invitation. The event will tackle industrialised streaming fraud and data integrity issues that currently drain money from creators and rights holders.
Discussions will examine licensing frameworks, music publishing models, and investment opportunities for growing Nigeria's creator economy and the broader continental sector. Stronger copyright administration and policy development are essential, organisers believe, to turn Africa's current international success into lasting economic gains.
This edition aims to bind policy, technology, and investment together. The goal is building a more structured and sustainable music sector across Nigeria.
