Four emerging African artists take centre stage as the prestigious Absa L’Atelier Art Competition marks four decades of nurturing creative talent across the continent
Four exceptional African artists have been recognised at the 2026 Absa L’Atelier Art Competition, marking a significant milestone in one of the continent’s most established platforms for emerging visual talent. As the competition celebrates its 40th anniversary, this year’s winners represent a new generation of artists shaping Africa’s creative landscape.
The winners were announced on Saturday, 10 October 2026, during the Absa L’Atelier Art & Lifestyle Fair at Waterfall City Park in Johannesburg. The celebration brought together art, culture, lifestyle and live entertainment, honouring four decades of artistic discovery and creative expression.
Three artists received the prestigious Absa L’Atelier Art Ambassador Awards, while South African artist Treasure Mlima was awarded the Absa L’Atelier Art Gerard Sekoto Award.
Meet the 2026 Absa L’Atelier Art Competition Winners
This year’s winners represent four African nations, reflecting the diversity and depth of artistic talent emerging across the continent.
Absa L’Atelier Art Ambassador Award Winners:
- Reginald Boateng – Ghana (Group A)
- Emmanuel Chisenga – Zambia (Group B)
- Segun Owolabi – Nigeria (Group C)
Absa L’Atelier Art Gerard Sekoto Award Winner:
- Treasure Mlima – South Africa
The 2026 awards also marked a historic achievement for Zambia. Emmanuel Chisenga became the country’s first Absa L’Atelier Art Ambassador Award recipient since the competition introduced its group structure in 2019.
Four Decades of Championing African Art
Established in 1986, Absa L’Atelier Art has become an influential platform for emerging visual artists across Africa. Presented in partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA), the competition provides opportunities for artistic development, professional mentorship and international exposure.
The 40th anniversary edition attracted a record number of registrations and hundreds of eligible submissions from artists across Absa’s 12 African markets.
An independent panel of adjudicators, appointed by Absa and SANAVA, evaluated the entries. The Gerard Sekoto Award was assessed separately by adjudicators appointed by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and the Embassy of France in South Africa.
Dr Paul Bayliss, Absa Group Senior Specialist in Art and Museum Curator, praised the exceptional quality of this year’s submissions.
“This year’s submissions brought an extraordinary depth of perspective, and the calibre of talent in this year’s competition was exceptional,” he said.
He highlighted the emotional depth, originality and technical mastery demonstrated by the winning artists, describing them as powerful representatives of the future of African art.
For Bayliss, the competition’s enduring significance lies in its ability to connect emerging artists with audiences and opportunities beyond their immediate communities.
Beyond the Awards: Mentorship, Exhibitions and International Exposure
The Absa L’Atelier Art Competition offers more than recognition. Its awards are designed to support the long-term professional development of emerging artists.
Each of the three Ambassador Award winners receives the opportunity to present a solo exhibition, supported by an R100,000 contribution from Absa towards exhibition material costs.
The prize package also includes art masterclasses led by internationally recognised authorities, a new laptop or equivalent equipped with Windows and Microsoft Office, and a four-month mentorship with an established visual arts professional from the winner’s home country.
These opportunities allow artists to refine their creative practices, strengthen their professional networks and introduce their work to broader audiences.
Treasure Mlima Wins the Gerard Sekoto Award
Durban-based artist Treasure Mlima received the 2026 Absa L’Atelier Art Gerard Sekoto Award, one of the competition’s most distinguished honours for emerging South African artists.
Established 18 years ago, the award recognises artistic integrity, originality and excellence. It also celebrates the legacy of Gerard Sekoto, whose contribution to South African art continues to inspire generations of creatives.
As the 2026 recipient, Mlima will undertake a three-month residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, from April to June 2027.
The residency will provide an opportunity to develop his artistic practice, engage with international creatives and experience one of Europe’s most influential cultural capitals.
Mlima will also have the opportunity to host a solo exhibition, with Absa contributing R100,000 towards exhibition material costs.
The Gerard Sekoto Award is supported through a partnership with the Embassy of France in South Africa and IFAS.
Jean Spiri, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, and Director of IFAS, emphasised the importance of international artistic exchange.
“Gerard Sekoto’s legacy reminds us of the importance of artistic freedom and exchange across borders,” he said.
Spiri added that the award continues to create opportunities for emerging South African artists to develop their practices and build meaningful international connections.
A Lasting Partnership for Africa’s Creative Future
As the competition’s longest-standing partner, SANAVA remains central to Absa L’Atelier Art’s mission of developing visual arts across the continent.
Ané du Plessis, National Secretary of SANAVA, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting emerging artists and expanding opportunities for creative growth.
“SANAVA is proud to be the longest-standing partner of the Absa L’Atelier Art Awards, a platform that continues to create meaningful opportunities for emerging artists across the continent,” she said.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to artistic excellence, cultural exchange and the development of Africa’s next generation of visual storytellers.
Absa L’Atelier Art 2027: When Do Entries Open?
With the 2026 winners announced, attention now turns to the next generation of emerging African artists.
Entries for the 2027 Absa L’Atelier Art Competition will open in March 2027 and close at the end of April 2027.
As Absa L’Atelier Art enters its fifth decade, its mission remains as relevant as ever: discovering extraordinary talent, encouraging artistic ambition and creating pathways for African artists to share their work with the world.
For this year’s four winners, the awards represent the beginning of an exciting new chapter, with opportunities to transform artistic potential into lasting creative careers.
