To establish a lasting presence on the international art scene, African art aims to reach a new milestone amidst growing global enthusiasm. Highlighting creators, structuring the sector, and consolidating its presence in global markets are crucial steps toward fully anchoring African creativity at the heart of the global cultural ecosystem.
African art is gaining increasing visibility on the international stage, yet its presence within major art circuits still needs to be consolidated. In 2025, auction sales of African art reached approximately $70.5 million—a 43% year-on-year increase. This growth reflects heightened collector interest but also underscores the need for more exhibitions, fairs, institutions, and platforms dedicated to African artists.
“Our environment has had a profound influence on our work. As I mentioned earlier, my own work, for instance, draws from our dances, masks, costumes, rhythms, and cultural initiation rites. But beyond that, other artists might draw inspiration from textiles, African statuary, and so on. So, we bear a certain responsibility, and I believe our artists reflect this well through their work and output.”
JACOBLEU, Visual artist, gallerist, and curator – Côte d’Ivoire
Beyond artistic recognition, the sector still needs to strengthen its professional infrastructure. Galleries, auction houses, collector networks, curators, and funding mechanisms are essential for supporting careers in the long term. The 2026 closure of the Tiwani Contemporary gallery, after 15 years of operation, illustrates the vulnerabilities that can face organizations specializing in African and diaspora art.
“Today, it is essential that everything ethnographic—everything related to culture—be archived and transformed into knowledge.” And knowledge is inexhaustible. Knowledge is an asset richer and greater than an oil field.
ALAIN PORQUET, Art enthusiast – Côte d’Ivoire
The goal is to fully integrate African art into the global market—which, with total sales of $59.6 billion projected for 2025, is 76% dominated by the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. Its strong potential for expansion requires strengthening its international circulation and professional networks.
