Africa's Art Market Is Shifting as Competition in the Middle East Heats Up | Artnet News
Artnet News
by Margaret CarriganFebruary 14, 2026
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Africa's art market is facing a pivotal moment as competition from the Middle East intensifies, particularly with the arrival of Art Basel in Doha. While African art fairs like the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair have long been vital platforms for Modern and contemporary African art, recent challenges include declining participation and shifting priorities among galleries and collectors. This year's Marrakech edition saw a significant drop in gallery numbers, with only 22 participating—more than a quarter fewer than previous years. Dealers are now grappling with balancing international expansion, such as attending fairs like Art Basel Qatar, with the need to strengthen local infrastructure.
The dynamics of the art world are shifting as global brands enter the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, drawing attention away from African markets. Yasmine Berrada, founder of Loft Art Gallery in Marrakech, noted that while fairs like Doha's expand reach, platforms like 1-54 remain crucial for building a rooted presence within African ecosystems. However, the economic pressures of recent years have made galleries and collectors more selective about which events they attend.
Auction data reveals mixed trends: While global auction sales of African artworks rose by 43% in 2025, reaching $70.5 million, this is still far below the peak of $116.5 million in 2022. Total art auction sales in Africa have declined
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Originally published on Artnet News on 2/14/2026