As conversations around economic growth and sustainability intensify in the Niger Delta, South South Media Week (SSMW) 2026 is setting a bold agenda—urging youths and entrepreneurs to move beyond surface-level success and focus on building real, measurable value.

With its 2026 theme, “Bold & Deeper,” the conference is calling for a shift from visibility-driven pursuits to long-term innovation, manufacturing, and ecosystem development.

The two-day event is scheduled to hold May 8th and 9th, 2026, at The Grace Place, Evo Road, GRA, Port Harcourt, where stakeholders across business, tech, media, and government are expected to converge.

Since its inception in 2018, SSMW has evolved into one of the region’s leading strategy platforms, bringing together businesses, tech innovators, creatives, and policymakers to drive conversations that shape the future of the South South.

Speaking ahead of this year’s edition, Convener Tammy Halliday emphasized that the theme reflects the realities of the current economy and the urgent need for a mindset shift.

“Every year, we look at what the economy is saying and how people are responding. This year, we are going beyond the surface. We are going bold and deeper,” he said.

Halliday pointed to a critical gap in the region’s economic structure—highlighting that while the South South produces key resources like gas, it has yet to fully maximize value through manufacturing and local innovation.

“We are telling people to build beyond the status quo. Until we start thinking in terms of value creation and production, we will keep exporting potential and importing results,” he added.

Beyond conversations, SSMW continues to drive impact by supporting innovators through grants and recognizing outstanding contributors within the ecosystem.

Following partnerships with global brands like MTN and Spotify in previous editions, this year’s conference—backed by partners including Spotify, Cribz, Hop Services, Buzz Africa PR, The Reach, and AI Advantage Hub—is expected to further amplify innovation and collaboration across the region.

Now in its seventh edition, South South Media Week is positioning itself not just as a conference, but as a catalyst for redefining how the Niger Delta builds, creates, and competes.