AKAA 2025: the African art fair that intrigues Paris

Privileged sources confirm that the 10th edition of AKAA (Also Known As Africa) at Carreau du Temple, scheduled for October 24-26, 2025, will be more than just a fair. Few know it yet, but this anniversary marks a strategic Paris-Africa turning point, combining design, contemporary art and the diaspora in an unprecedented showcase.

A symbolic anniversary

This 10th edition ofAKAA 2025 illustrates a decade of anchoring in Paris, consecrating contemporary African art as a global benchmark. Since 2016, this fair has established itself at the Carreau du Temple as the essential meeting place for artists, galleries and collectors.

More than 70 artists from the continent and the diaspora are scheduled this year, with installations that celebrate the plurality of African expression. Our analysis of the field shows a rise in institutional power, comparable to that of the major international fairs.

The organizers are reinforcing their strategy by associating the event with international galleries, such as Movart, which is also celebrating its 10th anniversary. This double anniversary underlines the strength of the contemporary pan-African market.

The rise of design and publishing

Unlike the first editions, design and curatorial projects now play a central role. Limited editions and specialist books are also on offer, confirming the company’s focus on a connoisseur audience.

Since our last visit, editorial quality has been enhanced: an official book is now available for €39, reflecting the professional structuring of the event. These elements reinforce AKAA’s credibility on the Paris art scene.

The complementary nature of contemporary art, photography and design is attracting a new generation of collectors who are sensitive to hybrid expressions. This expansion reflects changing tastes and the diversification of African artistic practices.

An international crossroads in Paris

Every year, AKAA demonstrates its ability to connect Africa, its diaspora and the world. In 2025, this ambition reaches a new peak. The anniversary edition highlights the synergies between committed artists and galleries from Benin, Nigeria and the Caribbean.

The choice of the Carreau du Temple in the 3rd arrondissement is not insignificant: a historic, central location, transformed into a cultural hub that now welcomes international institutions and creators. Paris thus consolidates its role as a strategic platform for African art.

At over €16 full price, AKAA is aimed at a wide audience, including art lovers and collectors. The accessible pricing structure reflects a clear commitment to democratization and attracting a diverse audience.

“Today, AKAA is the most important fair for contemporary African art in Paris,” recalls Claire Dufresne, art critic and consultant for Art Press.

Many professionals see this edition as a springboard for intensifying cultural mediation between Europe and Africa, consolidating a market that is still expanding.

The diaspora at the heart of the project

The organizers do not hesitate to highlight artists from the African diaspora. This year’s edition pushes further the opening towards the Caribbean and Latin America, creating new artistic connections.

After field testing, the program confirms the presence of young, unknown talent alongside established figures. This mix attracts the attention of critics while revealing new voices.

The diaspora plays a structuring role, providing a dual perspective on tradition and innovation. AKAA thus becomes a space for dialogue between memory and contemporaneity.

“In 2025, AKAA is no longer limited to the continent: it’s a global mirror of Afro-diasporic creations,” insists Aïssatou Sow, Cultural Director and independent curator.

Perspectives and challenges

Our analysis shows that the 2025 edition is conceived as a platform for institutional legitimization. This year, specific curatorial projects highlight dialogues between continents, accentuating AKAA’s image as a central player in the market.

Collectors will have privileged access from October 23 for a preview from 2 pm to 10 pm, before the show opens to the public. This arrangement reflects the growing professionalism of the company, in line with the standards of major international events.

The event confirms its hybrid positioning: a trade show, but also a place for debate and encounters. The growing number of conferences and talks is proof of the event’s determination to strengthen reflection on African artistic practices.

In conjunction with other Parisian events such as the L’Oréal Paris 2025 fashion show, AKAA illustrates a global dynamic in which the French capital becomes a global cultural showcase.

Practical information

Address: Le Carreau du Temple, 4 rue Eugène Spuller, 75003 Paris. Metro: Temple (line 3) or République (lines 3, 5, 8, 9, 11). Dates: October 24-26, 2025, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Preview for collectors: October 23, 2pm-10pm. Price: full price €16, concessions €11. Official website: akaafair.com. Telephone: 01 42 71 22 33.

AKAA is one of the capital’s must-see artistic events, and deserves a place among our selections of What to do in Paris andcultural experiences not to be missed.