Global Citizen announces Doja Cat as headliner for 2026 Move Afrika Tour

The third edition of the tour will begin with Move Afrika: Kigali at the BK Arena on 17 March, followed by Move Afrika: Pretoria at the SunBet Arena, Time Square on 20 March. Rwanda and South Africa will host this year’s events as the circuit continues its expansion.

Doja Cat said her participation in the tour reflects both her heritage and support for its broader objectives. “From my South African roots straight to the world stage, we’re bringing energy, purpose, and real change to Move Afrika in Kigali and Pretoria. This isn’t just a tour, it’s a movement that creates jobs and opportunities that last,” she said. “I’m proud to be part of something that celebrates Africa’s creativity, invests in its future, and shows the world that Africa isn’t coming, it’s already here.”

Global Citizen co-founder and chief executive Hugh Evans said: “We are honoured to welcome Doja Cat as the headliner for Move Afrika 2026. Move Afrika is redefining global touring by placing Africa’s creative excellence at the centre of the international circuit, creating jobs, strengthening local creative industries, and driving long-term economic growth powered by culture.”

Rwanda Development Board chief executive Jean-Guy Afrika said Rwanda’s continued involvement aligns with its ambition to grow its live entertainment sector. “Move Afrika’s return reflects our continued dedication to elevating Africa’s creative industries and using the influence of global entertainment to drive meaningful progress across the continent,” he said.

According to Global Citizen, previous editions of Move Afrika created more than 2 500 jobs in Kigali and Lagos, with over 90% of crew and production roles filled by local workers. In Kigali, the proportion of local crew increased from 75% in 2023 to 90% in 2025. The initiative has also included youth training programmes in areas such as rigging, security and hospitality, delivered in part through the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator.

Ahead of the 2026 tour, Global Citizen said it would continue its advocacy campaigns focused on strengthening health systems across Africa, including primary care and sexual and reproductive health services.

The organisation also confirmed that the Music Economy Development Initiative, launched last year in partnership with Universal Music Group and the International Finance Corporation, will release new research during the 2026 edition aimed at supporting music policy reform and financing across the continent.

Move Afrika was launched in 2023 and forms part of Global Citizen’s broader campaigns linking live music events with advocacy and economic development objectives. The tour is expected to expand to additional African countries in the coming years.