Absa L’Atelier has announced its four 2026 art competition winners, recognising emerging artists from Ghana, Zambia, Nigeria and South Africa as the platform celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Reginald Boateng, Emmanuel Chisenga and Segun Owolabi received the Ambassador Awards, while Durban-based artist Treasure Mlima received the Gerard Sekoto Award.
The winners were revealed at the Absa L’Atelier Art & Lifestyle Fair at Waterfall City Park in Johannesburg on 10 October 2026. The announcement formed part of a celebration bringing together art, culture, lifestyle and live entertainment.
Meet the Absa L’Atelier 2026 Winners
The three Ambassador Award winners were selected from the competition’s three groups:
- Reginald Boateng – Ghana: Group A winner.
- Emmanuel Chisenga – Zambia: Group B winner.
- Segun Owolabi – Nigeria: Group C winner.
Treasure Mlima from South Africa received the Gerard Sekoto Award, which recognises a South African artist for the integrity and excellence of their work.
This year’s Absa L’Atelier results also mark a milestone for Zambia. Chisenga becomes the country’s first Ambassador Award recipient since the competition introduced its group structure in 2019.
Exhibition Support and Mentorship for the Ambassadors
Each Ambassador Award winner will receive the opportunity to host a solo exhibition, with Absa contributing R100,000 towards exhibition material costs.
Their development package also includes art masterclasses from leading international authorities, a new laptop or equivalent with Windows and Microsoft Office installed, and a four-month mentorship with a leading visual arts authority from their respective country.
These opportunities give the Absa L’Atelier winners support to develop their practices and present their work to new audiences. The award combines recognition with resources that can help artists take their next professional steps.
Treasure Mlima Receives a Paris Residency
As the Gerard Sekoto Award recipient, Mlima will undertake a three-month residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris from April to June 2027.
The residency offers the Durban artist time to develop his practice and engage with the international art community. He will also receive a solo exhibition opportunity, with R100,000 from Absa towards exhibition material costs.
The Gerard Sekoto Award is supported through a partnership with the Embassy of France in South Africa and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS).
Jean Spiri, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy and Director of IFAS, highlighted artistic freedom and exchange across borders as central to Gerard Sekoto’s legacy. He said the award helps emerging South African artists develop their work and build international connections.
Four Decades of Supporting African Artists
Established in 1986, Absa L’Atelier is presented in partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA).
Over four decades, the competition has created opportunities for emerging visual artists to develop their careers, gain exposure and connect with wider audiences.
According to the organisers, the 2026 competition attracted a record number of registrations and hundreds of eligible entries from artists across 12 Absa African markets.
An independent panel appointed by Absa and SANAVA assessed the submissions. Adjudicators for the Gerard Sekoto Award were appointed separately by IFAS and the French Embassy.
Dr Paul Bayliss, Absa Group Senior Specialist in Art and Museum Curator, praised the storytelling, emotional depth and technical skill demonstrated by this year’s entrants. He said the four winners challenged themselves creatively and prompted meaningful discussion among the adjudicators.
SANAVA National Secretary And du Plessis also highlighted the competition’s role in recognising excellence and creating development opportunities for emerging artists.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 Competition
With the 2026 awards concluded, emerging artists can begin preparing for the next Absa L’Atelier competition.
Entries will open in March 2027 and close at the end of April 2027, according to the announcement. Artists should consult the official competition website for eligibility criteria and submission requirements when the new entry cycle opens.
For another example of South African creativity reaching wider audiences, read our coverage of South Africa at Paris Fashion Week. Visit the official Absa L’Atelier website for competition updates.
