Twelve artists from six African countries have been named finalists for the 2026 Absa L’Atelier Art competition, marking the 40th edition of the visual arts initiative. Selected from hundreds of entries across 12 participating countries, the finalists work across painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media, with three artists set to become Absa L’Atelier Art Ambassadors for 2026.

Established in 1986 through a partnership between Absa and the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA), the competition combines artistic recognition with professional development opportunities, including mentorship, international residencies and solo exhibitions.

Meet the 12 Finalists

The 2026 shortlist brings together artists from South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, Uganda, Nigeria and Kenya. The finalists are:

• Lerato Lodi — South Africa
• Emmanuel Shanga — Zambia
• Ninsiima Peter (Peterfog) — Uganda
• Deolu Femi — Nigeria
• Pebofatso Mokoena — South Africa
• Gavin Kendo — Kenya
• Treasure Mlima — South Africa
• Anita Sika-Gyamfi — Ghana
• Sphumelele Zondi — South Africa
• Reginald Kofi Boateng — Ghana
• Segun Victor Owolabi — Nigeria
• Alexander Appolis — South Africa

The artists represent a range of cultural and social contexts across the continent. Their selection places them in contention for awards and professional development opportunities intended to support the next stages of their careers.

The competition’s 12 participating countries are Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, the Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

What the Finalists Stand to Gain

Three artists will be named Absa L’Atelier Art Ambassadors for 2026. Each ambassador will receive a development package that includes a laptop, masterclasses, a four-month mentorship program and a two-month international residency.

The package also includes the opportunity for a solo exhibition in the artist’s home country, with up to R100,000 available towards exhibition material costs.

These provisions extend the competition beyond the announcement of winners. Mentorship, international exposure and exhibition opportunities give selected artists resources to develop their practices and build professional networks.

The competition also includes the Gerard Sekoto Award, which has separate eligibility requirements for South African artists aged 25 to 35. Supported by the French Institute of South Africa and SANAVA, the award includes an overseas residency at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris, masterclasses and a solo exhibition in South Africa.

Together, the awards offer different routes for artists to gain professional experience, develop new work and reach audiences beyond their immediate contexts.

Four Decades of Supporting Artists

Since 1986, Absa L’Atelier Art has developed as a platform for identifying and supporting emerging visual artists across Africa. Its partnership with SANAVA combines recognition with opportunities for training, mentorship and exhibition.

According to figures reported by Bizcommunity, the initiative has supported more than 70 artists from across Africa, facilitated more than 50 international residencies and funded close to 65 solo exhibitions over its history.

These opportunities address a practical challenge in sustaining an artistic career: securing the resources, professional relationships and exhibition experience needed to develop a practice beyond the studio.

As the competition marks its 40th edition, its programme continues to connect emerging artists with opportunities for professional growth and wider exposure.

Finalists to Exhibit at the Art and Lifestyle Fair

Works by the 12 finalists will be presented at the Absa L’Atelier Art and Lifestyle Fair on 10 October 2026 at Waterfall City Park, near the Mall of Africa in Midrand, South Africa.

The fair will mark the competition’s anniversary with an exhibition of finalist works, live entertainment and activities for visitors. The four award recipients are scheduled to be announced during the event.

The exhibition will give audiences an opportunity to encounter the artists’ work directly, while providing the finalists with a platform to present their practices to a wider public.

The Next Chapter

The 2026 finalists bring together artistic practices from across the competition’s participating countries at a milestone moment in its history. The anniversary also draws attention to the infrastructure that helps artists move from recognition to sustained professional development.

The winners will be announced at the Art and Lifestyle Fair in Midrand on 10 October. Beyond the awards, the competition’s four-decade history raises a continuing question for the African art sector: how can platforms translate visibility into the resources, relationships and opportunities artists need to sustain their work?