Benin Hosts Second Edition of Cotonou Comedy Festival 2026

The Beninese government, in collaboration with the Jokenation group, is organizing the second edition of the Cotonou Comedy Festival 2026. The event aims to contribute to the structuring of the humor industry in Benin and promote its influence in Africa and internationally. The festival will take place in Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi, and Parakou, offering a variety of comedic shows, workshops, and professional meetings over six days.

This year's edition features four new developments. Firstly, a national detection system for young comedians called "le tremplin du rire" has been introduced, which includes two auditions in Cotonou and Parakou to select eight young comedians who will receive three days of training before joining the official program. Additionally, "Les rencontres de l'humour africain" will bring together artists, producers, comedy club owners, media representatives, and institutions to discuss the challenges facing African comedy clubs and the professionalization of the industry.

The festival will also host two new galas: the "Gala sacrées des Amazones," which will honor female voices in comedy, and the "Gala pour Deux," a scripted show featuring artists from Africa and the diaspora. For the first time, the festival will be held in cities outside of Cotonou, with Parakou and Abomey-Calavi hosting events. The program includes a range of activities, such as workshops, comedy shows, and professional meetings.

According to Bienvenu Hounwanou, director of cabinet for the Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage, three key outcomes are expected from the festival. These include the consolidation of a sustainable ecosystem, the detection of young comedians, and the national and international promotion of African humor. The festival aims to establish Benin as a hub for African humor and a cultural destination.

The success of the first edition of the Cotonou Comedy Festival has encouraged the organizers to make the second edition even more ambitious. Grégoire Furrer, president of Jokenation, stated that the festival will feature more days, locations, and talents, with a focus on the new generation of comedians. The first edition attracted over 4,300 spectators and generated millions of views across the continent and beyond.

The festival program includes a range of activities, such as the formation of laureates from "le tremplin du rire," a comedy show featuring young comedians, and two galas at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou. A launch tariff of 2000 FCFA is offered to spectators until November 15, 2026. The event aims to promote the humor industry in Benin and establish Cotonou as the capital of African humor.

Key points

• The Cotonou Comedy Festival 2026 will feature a range of comedic performances, workshops, and professional meetings across three cities in Benin.
• The festival aims to contribute to the structuring of the humor industry in Benin and promote its influence in Africa and internationally.
• The event will include four new developments, including a national detection system for young comedians and a comedy show featuring artists from Africa and the diaspora.