Pitcher Academies Wrap Up This Week

At the Group Presentation & Expert Review — a hybrid session held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, on 13 March 2026. L–R: Osato Evbuomwan, Marketing Director, Moët Hennessy Nigeria; Henry Ononiwu, Chief Marketing Officer, PHD Nigeria; Chisom Aniebue, Pulse Marketing Nigeria (participant); Dr. Nnamdi Ndu, CEO, Pitcher Festival; Kesioluwa Eunice Orukotan, QVT Media Nigeria (participant); Segun Ayinla, Deputy Creative Director, Insight Publicis Nigeria; Temitope Joseph, Director, Creative & Brand Strategy, Dentsu Creative Nigeria; Olatunde Mustapha, Pulse Marketing Nigeria (participant); Favour Oluleke, QVT Media Nigeria (participant).

The Young Pitcher Academy enters its final stretch this week, officially wrapping up on 24 March. Over the past two weeks, the Academy has delivered a rich, high‑energy learning experience for emerging professionals across Africa’s creative, media, PR, and brand‑building industries.

From strategic thinking and storytelling to media planning, communication, and brand growth, participants have engaged deeply with industry leaders through masterclasses, workshops, group challenges, and mentor‑led sessions. The Academy has not only strengthened core skills but also fostered collaboration, confidence, and cross‑border connections among the next generation of African talent.

This final week brings the programme to a strong close with the Digital Track on Monday, followed by a full day of cross‑track sessions and the official wrap‑up on Tuesday. These sessions will consolidate everything learned so far and prepare participants for the next steps in their creative journeys. Let's give a big shoutout to all the participants and participating agencies!

But the learning continues.

Immediately after the Young Pitcher Academy concludes, we transition into the Future Pitcher Student Academy (FPSA) beginning 25 March.

The FPSA is a pan‑African virtual learning experience designed to inspire and equip students in universities and tertiary institutions across the continent. As part of the Pitcher Festival of Creativity, the programme immerses young people in the world of advertising, media, technology, and creative communications through masterclasses, workshops, mentorship pods, and collaborative challenges.

Over three days, students engage with leading professionals, explore emerging trends, and build the foundational skills needed to thrive in the creative economy. FPSA offers a vibrant platform for intensive learning, talent discovery, and early industry immersion — helping young people understand how creativity shapes culture, brands, and society across Africa. Welcome to all the participating students and institutions.

And after the learning programmes, the excitement continues.

Each academy culminates in a major competition designed to challenge participants and showcase their talent on a continental stage:

• The Young Pitcher Competition — briefs launch 4 May 2026

• The Future Pitcher Competition — briefs launch 28 March 2026, immediately after the FPSA learning sessions

These competitions are a core part of the Pitcher Festival’s mission to spotlight emerging talent and celebrate the creative excellence shaping Africa’s future.

As we celebrate the achievements of our Young Pitchers and prepare to welcome the Future Pitchers, we remain committed to nurturing talent, elevating creativity, and strengthening the future of our industry across the continent.