Africa Basel is set to return for its second edition from June 17 to 21, 2026, bringing a strong focus on contemporary African art to one of the busiest weeks in the international art calendar. Held alongside Art Basel in Switzerland, the fair continues to create space for African artists, galleries, collectors, and curators to connect with global audiences in a more focused and meaningful way.

Unlike many large art fairs that compete through scale and spectacle, Africa Basel has chosen a different approach. The fair was created to encourage deeper conversations around African art while supporting long-term relationships between artists, institutions, collectors, and galleries. As interest in African contemporary art continues to grow worldwide, the fair aims to provide a platform that values context, dialogue, and sustained engagement.

The 2026 edition will take place at Klybeck 610, a former industrial building in Basel that offers a unique setting for exhibitions, installations, performances, and discussions. Eighteen exhibitors from Africa, Europe, and North America will participate, representing countries including Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the United Kingdom. Notable participants include Circle Art Gallery from Kenya, October Gallery from London, La Galerie 38 from Morocco, and Kin Art Studio from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Photo Credit: Dakart News (Africa in Basel, 2022)

Beyond gallery presentations, Africa Basel will once again host its popular Africa Basel Conversations programme, featuring artist talks, collector discussions, and critical exchanges on contemporary African art. The fair will also present special projects by Zimbabwean artist Richard Mudariki and Moroccan artist Youssef Ouchra.

As African artists continue to gain recognition across museums, biennials, and major collections worldwide, Africa Basel is positioning itself as an important platform that places African voices at the centre of global art conversations.