The Next Chapter · Abuja 2026 — Reimagining storytelling, publishing & the creative economy.
A new chapter is being written.
Stories shape culture, build industries and define economies — and the infrastructure behind them is changing. Technology is transforming how authors write, how stories are published and discovered, and how audiences read.
Across Africa, a new generation of creators is building businesses, communities and global audiences around their ideas. The Next Chapter is the gathering point for the people building, shaping and investing in that future — from the author starting a story to the investor looking for the next creative-technology opportunity.
The conversation
Where storytelling meets technology, business and culture.
The future of the author
How technology is changing the way writers create, develop and build sustainable careers.
The future of publishing
What happens when publishing becomes increasingly digital, global and creator-driven.
The future of reading
How mobile, serialised fiction and audio are changing the relationship between stories and audiences.
The creative economy
Storytelling as an engine for entrepreneurship, employment, intellectual property and opportunity.
Technology & AI
How creators and publishers should approach AI — and the possibilities it unlocks.
Investment & opportunity
What it takes to build investable creative-technology businesses that scale beyond home markets.
Programme
More than a conference.
One day, designed as an ecosystem experience — conversation, technology, creativity, discovery, business and community.
Conference
Keynotes, fireside conversations and panels on the future of storytelling and publishing.
Creator Showcase
Meet emerging authors and storytellers representing the next generation of African creativity.
Future Story Lab
A collaborative exploration of what storytelling could look like in the years ahead.
FictionFlux Experience
Discover a new generation of stories, authors and digital reading experiences.
FireForge Experience
See how technology helps authors move from idea to manuscript to publishing.
Investment & Partnership Forum
A focused environment for investors, brands and stakeholders to explore opportunities.
Networking
Connect with creators, publishers, technology companies, investors, brands and media.
The ecosystem
From the idea to the audience.
The Next Chapter is powered by two platforms built around the complete storytelling journey.
The creator engine
Create. Develop. Publish.
An intelligent writing and author workspace — from idea to manuscript to publishing pathways.
The audience engine
Discover. Read. Experience.
A digital reading platform for serialised web novels, connecting readers with stories and the authors behind them.
Together they connect the publishing journey: Creators → Stories → Readers.
Why attend
A room for the whole ecosystem.
- Creators & authorsAccess publishing pipelines, modern authoring tools and sustainable monetisation.
- Publishers & mediaDiscover digital distribution, license original IP and meet emerging platforms.
- Investors & VCsDirect visibility into early-stage creative-technology ventures and high-value IP.
- Brands & enterprisesEngage attentive digital audiences, back creator initiatives and lead cultural innovation.
- Government & agenciesAdvance policy around IP, youth employment and the digital creative economy.
Event information
Date & venue
Friday, 4 December 2026
11am – 5pm
Chida Event Centre
Plot 224/226 P.O.W. Mafemi Crescent, Utako, Abuja 900108, FCT
Get directions
Presented by Netgrawl · Powered by FireForge × FictionFlux.
Prefer to read first?
Request the deck.
We'll send the event deck and follow up before 4 December.
Register
Be part of The Next Chapter.
Tell us how you'd like to take part — attend, invest, partner, sponsor, or as a government or institutional stakeholder — and we'll follow up with what you need before 4 December.