Four emerging artists from Ghana, Zambia, Nigeria and South Africa are stepping into new creative opportunities as Absa L’Atelier Art celebrates 40 years of championing African visual talent.
Africa’s next generation of artists is making its mark, and the 2026 Absa L’Atelier Art Competition is putting that creative energy firmly in the spotlight.
Announced at the Absa L’Atelier Art & Lifestyle Fair at Waterfall City Park on 10 October 2026, this year’s awards recognised four artists whose work stood out among hundreds of eligible entries from across 12 Absa African markets.
The winners are Ghana’s Reginald Boateng, Zambia’s Emmanuel Chisenga, Nigeria’s Segun Owolabi and South African artist Treasure Mlima. Beyond the recognition, their awards offer something crucial for emerging creatives: resources, mentorship and opportunities to take their work beyond familiar surroundings.
Four Artists, Four Opportunities to Go Further
The three Absa L’Atelier Art Ambassador Award winners represent Ghana, Zambia and Nigeria, while Mlima received the prestigious Absa L’Atelier Art Gerard Sekoto Award.
For the Ambassador winners, the next chapter includes funding towards a solo exhibition, professional development and access to experienced voices in the global art world.
Each artist will receive a R100,000 contribution towards exhibition material costs, a new laptop or equivalent with Windows and Microsoft Office, art masterclasses and the opportunity for four months of mentorship with a leading visual arts authority from their respective country.
These benefits go beyond a trophy. They offer emerging artists practical support to develop their work, strengthen their professional networks and build momentum in an industry where access to funding and expertise can be difficult to secure.
Zambia Makes History as South Africa Looks to Paris
One of this year’s standout milestones belongs to Zambia. Emmanuel Chisenga’s win marks the country’s first-ever Absa L’Atelier Art Ambassador Award since the competition introduced its group structure in 2019.
It is a significant moment for Zambian visual art and a reminder that Africa’s creative talent extends well beyond the continent’s most established cultural hubs.
South Africa also has reason to celebrate through Durban-based artist Treasure Mlima, recipient of the Gerard Sekoto Award.
Mlima is set to undertake a three-month residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris from April to June 2027. The opportunity will place the artist within an international creative environment, opening doors to artistic exchange and new perspectives.
The award also includes a R100,000 contribution towards a solo exhibition, helping Mlima continue developing a body of work that can reach new audiences.
Supported by the Embassy of France in South Africa and the Institut français d’Afrique du Sud (IFAS), the Gerard Sekoto Award honours artistic excellence while strengthening cultural connections between South Africa and France.
Why Platforms Like This Matter for African Creatives
Established in 1986, Absa L’Atelier Art has spent four decades creating opportunities for emerging visual artists. Its partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA) continues to support the development and visibility of artists across the continent.
This year’s record number of registrations reflects the competition’s reach, but the bigger conversation is about what happens after an artist gets noticed.
Recognition can open a door. Funding can help an idea become an exhibition. Mentorship can provide direction. International exposure can introduce an artist to audiences and professional networks they might otherwise struggle to reach.
For young South Africans exploring careers in painting, sculpture, photography and other visual disciplines, these opportunities highlight the importance of building a creative practice while actively seeking platforms that can support its growth.
The 40th anniversary celebrations, which brought together art, lifestyle, culture and live entertainment, also reinforced the role visual art plays in shaping contemporary African identity.
The Next Chapter Starts in 2027
The latest winners have secured their place in the competition’s history, but the opportunity will return.
Entries for the 2027 Absa L’Atelier Art Competition are scheduled to open in March 2027 and close at the end of April 2027.
For aspiring artists, now is the time to develop new work, refine their creative direction and prepare a portfolio that communicates a distinctive perspective.
Forty years after its launch, Absa L’Atelier Art continues to create space for African stories to be told through visual expression. The next generation of artists is already creating those stories — and the next opportunity to share them is closer than it seems.
