Some milestones deserve a pause, and this one is worth it. The Absa L’Atelier Art Competition has turned 40, and this year’s winners were announced at the Absa L’Atelier Art & Lifestyle Fair at Waterfall City Park, Johannesburg, on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
Four artists took home the top honours, and for anyone who cares about where African art is heading, they’re names to know.
The Ambassador Award winners:
Three artists won the Absa L’Atelier Art Ambassador Award, one from each competition group:
- Group A: Reginald Boateng, Ghana
- Group B: Emmanuel Chisenga, Zambia
- Group C: Segun Owolabi, Nigeria
Chisenga’s win is historic. It is Zambia’s first Ambassador Award since the group structure began in 2019.
Each winner gets a solo exhibition, with Absa contributing R100,000 towards materials. They also receive masterclasses with leading global arts authorities, a new laptop with MS Office, and a four-month mentorship with a leading visual arts figure from their home country.
The Gerard Sekoto Award:
The Gerard Sekoto Award went to South African artist Treasure Mlima, from Durban. Established 18 years ago, it recognises a South African artist for integrity and excellence in their work. Mlima will spend three months at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, from April to June 2027, and will also receive a solo exhibition with R100,000 towards materials. The award is made possible through the Embassy of France in South Africa and its cultural arm, IFAS.
A record year:
The 2026 competition drew a record number of registrations and hundreds of eligible entries from artists across Absa’s 12 African markets. Absa’s Dr Paul Bayliss, Senior Specialist in Art and Museum Curator, said the entries showed “unique storytelling and emotional depth” and called the winners true representations of the vibrant future of art in Africa.
SANAVA, the longest-standing partner of the awards, also marked the occasion. Its National Secretary, Ané du Plessis, said the platform keeps creating meaningful opportunities for emerging artists across the continent.
Why it matters:
At The Current, we tell stories about brands and the culture around them, and this one is a good example of what a brand can do when it invests in people. For four decades, this competition has given young African artists something hard to find: a platform, exposure and the means to keep creating. A winner from Ghana, Zambia, Nigeria and South Africa on the same stage shows how much talent the continent has.
Your turn:
If you’re an emerging artist, start preparing now. Entries for the 2027 competition open in March 2027 and close at the end of April 2027.
Congratulations to Reginald, Emmanuel, Segun and Treasure. We can’t wait to see what you create next.