By Nnasom David

South South Media Week (SSMW) 2026 is set to begin this weekend in Port Harcourt, with organisers positioning the event as a platform to address economic challenges and opportunities in the Niger Delta.

The two-day conference, scheduled for May 8 and 9, will take place at The Grace Place on Evo Road in the Government Reserved Area (GRA), bringing together business leaders, technology innovators, creatives and policymakers.

Now in its seventh edition, the event has evolved into a regional gathering focused on discussions around innovation, value creation and economic sustainability.

This year’s theme, “Bold & Deeper,” reflects what organisers describe as a shift from surface-level engagement to more structural approaches to economic development.

Convener Tammy Halliday said the conference is designed to respond to current economic realities and encourage more strategic thinking within the region.

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

Halliday also stressed the need for the Niger Delta to move beyond its traditional role as a resource-producing region.

“We cannot continue to produce and watch others maximize the value. This is about changing that mindset and building an ecosystem that creates and retains value,” he added.

Organisers said the event will feature panel discussions, keynote sessions and initiatives aimed at supporting emerging talents, including grants and recognition for contributors to the region’s development.

The 2026 edition is supported by organisations including Spotify, Cribz, Hop Services, The Reach, Buzz Africa PR and AI Advantage Hub.

Activities are expected to begin on Friday, with participants drawn from across sectors within and outside the region.