The Bakashimika International Photography Festival 2026 tells the future stories of the African continent

Derived from the Bemba word meaning “a collective of storytellers” or “these stories will be told in the future,” Bakashimika International Photography Festival is more than just a festival; it provides a vital platform for emerging African lens-based artists and photographers to showcase their work from an indigenous perspective.

As Zambia’s first photography festival and a unique fixture in Southern Africa, Bakashimika was founded to challenge the (neo)colonial legacies and foreign narratives that have historically defined the region’s image. Co-founded by creative visionaries Edith Chiliboy, Patrick Chilaisha, Geoffrey Phiri, and Dr. Kerstin Hacker, it builds the infrastructure for African photographers to network and build a community.

Bakashimika will showcase the vibrant and complex stories in its second landmark edition. The 2026 program promises an immersive week of professional development, international networking, and world-class exhibitions by artists from the African continent. Whether you are a professional photographer or a visual culture enthusiast, this festival is an essential destination for anyone interested in the power of the lens to rewrite Africa’s future.

Festival dates: June 18–24, 2026 – Bakashimika International Photography Festival, Lusaka, Zambia

Website: Bakashimika.com