Today’s session was an opportunity to share reflections from this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity with the Zeleman team and some of our clients.
From emerging creative trends and award-winning work to the ideas and questions shaping our industry, we believe the real value of experiences like these is measured by what they inspire once they’re shared. Every new perspective strengthens the conversations we have, the work we create, and the standards we set for ourselves.
Here’s to staying curious, learning from the best, and continuing to push creativity forward. 🔥
The recap video for CRAFT Addis 2026 is officially here! Rooted in history and rising into a bold, global future, this year's event brought together visionary minds to discuss how Africa can package, monetize, and own its immense creative capital. CRAFT Addis 2026 proved that the continent's greatest untapped resource is the brilliance of its people.
watch on youtubeWe're honoured to share that our CEO and Chief Creative Director, Zelalem Woldemariam, has been selected to serve on the Shortlisting Jury for the Film Craft Lions at the 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. One of the world's most respected platforms celebrating excellence in creativity and communication, Cannes Lions brings together leading global voices to recognise work that sets new creative benchmarks for the industry. This recognition is a milestone for Zeleman and a reflection of the growing global relevance of African creativity, with our CEO representing Ethiopia and Africa on one of the industry's most prestigious stages.
see the full jury
CRAFT Festival is a space where Africa's creative future is explored and celebrated. We bring together artists, innovators, cultural leaders, creators, and industry builders from across Africa and around the world to collectively imagine how creativity can support economic growth, community development, and technological progress.
explore craft addis
It is an initiative by Zeleman, designed to equip emerging and practicing creatives with the knowledge, skills, mindset, and tools to thrive in the fast-evolving creative economy. Our learning approach blends industry practice, African creativity, and artificial intelligence to shape the next generation of creative thinkers and doers. Leveraging Zeleman Communications, Advertising & Production’s 20+ years of pioneering experience, the Academy aims to equip the next generation of filmmakers, marketers, digital specialists, designers, and communication professionals with the skills, exposure, and confidence needed to excel in an industry rapidly growing in demand and complexity.
visit the academyevery great project starts with a simple hello.
we're ready when you are.