AAG Partners Pitcher Festival for 2026 Young Lions Digital Competition

The Advertising Association of Ghana partnered with the Pitcher Festival for the successful hosting of the 2026 Young Lions Digital Competition, delivered as a joint Ghana and Nigeria initiative. The collaboration reinforces AAG’s commitment to developing emerging creative talent and strengthening West Africa’s presence on the global stage.

The 2026 edition concluded on a high note, featuring strong entries from rising digital professionals who demonstrated strategic depth and effective digital execution. Echo House, one of Ghana’s leading creative agencies, was among the finalists, showcasing exceptional work that reflected the strength of the local creative ecosystem.

AAG’s industry representation was reflected in the appointment of Whitney Thomson, Head of Digital and Account Director at Ogilvy Africa Ghana, who served on the distinguished jury panel. Alongside respected industry leaders from Nigeria and Kenya, the jury upheld rigorous standards in evaluating this year’s entries, ensuring that excellence remained at the forefront of the competition.

In the final outcome, Precious Kassie and Olabode Otolorin of Mavin Global emerged as winners of the 2026 Young Lions Digital Competition. Their work stood out for its clarity, innovation, and strategic execution, earning strong commendation from the jury.

With this win, the duo will represent the region at the Global Young Lions Digital Competition during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, scheduled for 22 to 26 June 2026. Their qualification marks another significant milestone for West African creative talent on the international stage.

AAG also acknowledges all participants who took part in this year’s competition. The quality of submissions, including finalists like Echo House, reflects a growing depth of digital capability within the region’s creative ecosystem.

Through strategic partnerships such as this, AAG continues to advance professional development, industry standards, and global competitiveness for Ghana’s advertising and marketing communications sector.

AAG Connects Ghanaian Students to the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy.

The Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) has nominated three (3) Ghanaian students to the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy (RHSA), marking Ghana’s entry into one of the world’s most prestigious global talent development platforms within the creative and advertising industry. This is Ghana’s first ever entry into the prestigious academy from the advertising industry in the country.

The Roger Hatchuel Student Academy is a highly competetivelearning programme held annually during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in Cannes, France. The academy is designed for exceptional final-year students and emerging talents in advertising, marketing, communications, media, and related creative disciplines. It brings together a global cohort of young creatives for an immersive experience that includes masterclasses, mentorship, collaborative workshops, and live creative challenges led by leading industry practitioners. Widely regarded as a launchpad for future creative leaders, selection into the Academy is considered a strong endorsement of creative excellence, leadership potential, and readiness for the global stage.

Against this backdrop, the nomination of Ghanaian students represents a significant step forward for the country’s creative ecosystem. Led by the Advertising Association of Ghana, this initiative underscores the Association’s commitment to nurturing young talent, expanding global exposure, and ensuring that Ghanaian perspectives and stories are represented within international creative conversations. This first-ever nomination also signals Ghana’s growing influence and readiness to participate meaningfully in the global creative economy.

Each of the three (3) outstanding students nominated reflects the diversity, depth, and promise of the country’s next generation of creative leaders:

Eliot Serlom Agbedor

Eliot Serlom Agbedor is a communications student at the University of Media, Arts and Communication, majoring in Public Relations. With a vibrant and energetic communication style deeply rooted in African storytelling, Eliot represents a multidisciplinary creative voice spanning writing, fashion, content creation, lifestyle media, acting, storytelling, and directing. His academic and professional journey is driven by a commitment to purposeful, human-centred communication. Notable highlights include leading his team to first place in the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals Advertising Campaign Competition, alongside hands-on experience in news writing, reporting, producing, voice-over artistry, and event hosting. Eliot’s work reflects a strong focus on impact, leadership, and storytelling with intent.

 

Amaris Bedwei

Amaris is a final-year marketing student at Lancaster University, Ghana, with a passion for multidisciplinary creativity. A filmmaker, creative director, editor, and social media manager, she approaches her career with curiosity, experimentation, and bold creative ambition. Rather than being confined by titles, Amaris has consistently chosen creativity across mediums, including filmmaking, marketing, and editorial work. Her work is driven by a desire to tell stories that resonate emotionally and culturally, while exploring different forms of expression. Through the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy, she seeks to sharpen her skills, gain global exposure, and build the confidence and tools required to navigate the creative industry with clarity and intention.

Naa Odarkor Mills

Naa Odarkor Mills is a final-year journalism and mass communication student whose creative identity is shaped by a deep love for photography, film, language, and storytelling. Fluent in Ga and inspired by Ghanaian culture, Naa is motivated by a desire to use storytelling to take Ghana to the world while bringing global perspectives back home. Her early aspirations included documentary and wildlife photography, and while her career ambitions have evolved, her commitment to storytelling remains central. Drawn to advertising through the rich narrative tradition of classic Ghanaian commercials, she is particularly interested in how brands can use culture, language, and emotion to create meaningful connections. Through her photography work with emerging Ghanaian brands, Naa actively explores this intersection of storytelling and brand building. She seeks the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy experience to learn how bold ideas are shaped, and how culturally grounded stories can travel globally without losing their roots.

As the selection process progresses, and should the nominees be officially admitted into the Academy in Cannes, support from agencies, organisations, and industry stakeholders will be essential. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities will help ensure that Ghana’s representatives are able to fully participate in this global programme, maximising the learning, exposure, and long-term benefits for the individuals involved and for the industry as a whole.

Through this landmark initiative, the Advertising Association of Ghana continues to demonstrate leadership in talent development, international collaboration, and the strategic positioning of Ghana as an emerging force within the global creative economy.

Cannes Lions honours France as the 2026 Creative Country of the Year

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has announced that France will be recognised as the recipient of the 2026 Creative Country of the Year, the annual accolade that recognises a country’s exceptional and enduring commitment to creativity that drives progress and growth. France’s selection reflects its long-term dedication to creativity across advertising, fashion, craft, tech, culture and commerce. From the artistic movements that shaped modern design to the luxury brands that define global sophistication, France has consistently demonstrated that creativity is a national philosophy that permeates business, culture and society. Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, said: “France is a country with an exceptional creative output. Its rich creative heritage and outstanding performance at Cannes Lions reflect a nation that understands creativity is a strategic economic asset that can drive progress. Since 2020, the French government has invested €10bn in funding to more than 20,000 creative businesses, and its cultural and creative industries generate €92bn in annual revenue. On the global stage at Cannes Lions, France has consistently ranked in the top 10 performing countries, and last year ranked 4th. Cannes has been the Festival’s permanent home since 1984, and the spirit of this very special culture and creativity are woven into the fabric of Cannes Lions.” As part of this recognition, the 2026 Festival will feature French creative showcases, celebratory events, dedicated stage talks and French-led activations – including a networking event, bringing together the French and global community in celebration of French creativity.