Lagos will host the fifth edition of MarkHack on June 5, 2026, organisers announced Tuesday, spotlighting the growing influence of artificial intelligence on culture, media and creative industries across Africa.
The conference, themed “The Culture Algorithm: AI and the Human Experience,” will bring together marketers, content creators, startup founders, policymakers and technology enthusiasts to explore how AI is reshaping both business and daily life.
MarkHack 5.0 will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, live demonstrations of emerging AI-driven solutions and a hackathon that aims to foster innovation and practical applications for AI in marketing and cultural production. Organisers said the event provides a platform for collaboration between the private sector, government, and tech communities, emphasising the transformative potential of AI for Africa’s creative economies.
“We want participants to not only learn about AI, but also understand how it intersects with culture, storytelling, and the human experience,” said a spokesperson for the conference. “MarkHack 5.0 will show how technology can amplify creativity, drive entrepreneurship, and support sustainable growth in media and content industries.”
The conference comes as African nations increasingly adopt AI in sectors ranging from fintech to media. Analysts note that while AI offers efficiency and innovation, it also presents challenges including job displacement, ethical concerns, and the risk of deepening digital divides. MarkHack seeks to address these issues by combining education with practical experimentation through its hackathon.
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Hackathons, organisers say, have become key drivers for Africa’s startup ecosystem. Participants work in teams to develop prototypes, AI applications, or marketing strategies over several hours, with mentorship from industry leaders. The approach encourages hands-on learning, promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration, and often results in new business ideas or partnerships that continue beyond the event.
Past editions of MarkHack have attracted hundreds of participants from across Africa and the diaspora. Speakers have included executives from multinational technology firms, leading African startups, and policymakers focused on digital innovation. Previous hackathons have produced AI tools for social media analytics, automated content creation, and predictive marketing solutions, highlighting the practical potential of emerging technologies.
Lagos, Africa’s largest city by population, has positioned itself as a hub for technology and innovation, hosting major tech conferences, incubators, and startup accelerators. Organisers said holding MarkHack in Lagos allows participants to engage with a diverse creative community, including advertising professionals, digital artists, coders, and media practitioners, in an environment that reflects the city’s dynamic cultural and entrepreneurial landscape.
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The 2026 edition will also feature discussions on ethical AI, inclusivity in tech, and ways to ensure that AI-driven solutions benefit communities across Africa. Organisers said they aim to bridge the gap between high-tech solutions and local realities, ensuring that AI adoption is sustainable and socially responsible.
With Africa experiencing rapid digital transformation, MarkHack 5.0 represents a convergence of creativity, technology, and policy, highlighting both opportunities and challenges posed by AI. “This is a chance to see how AI can not only automate tasks, but also enhance culture, expression and human connection,” the spokesperson said.
Registrations for MarkHack 5.0 are open, with participants from across Africa and the global tech community expected to attend. The event is part of a broader trend of conferences and hackathons that leverage technology to foster entrepreneurship, skills development, and collaboration in Africa’s growing knowledge economy.
