#CannesLions2026 | Increased representation from Africa on shortlisting juries

The 2026 Cannes Lions Shortlisting Jury includes increased representation from Africa, including from top marketers such as VW’s Bridget Harpur and EcoBank’s Oriane Canfrin, to some of the continent's best creatives, from South Africans Bananas’ Justin Gomes to The Odd Number’s Thabang Manyelo, Kenya’s Twotone Global’s Gil Kemami, and Nigeria’s Omawumi Ogbe of GLG Communications.

8 May 2026

The 2026 Cannes Lions Shortlisting Jury includes increased representation from Africa (Image supplied)

The Cannes Lions Shortlisting Jury is made up of over 200 Jurors from across diverse sectors and markets.

This year also features a record number of independent agencies, plus increased representation from Africa and the Pacific region.

They’ll be reviewing thousands of submissions to set the stage for history-making moments, record-breaking wins and a new benchmark for global creative excellence.

(Image source: © Firece Pharma Ten South Africans have been named to the Cannes Lions awarding juries

#CannesLions2026 | Awarding juries feature top South Africans

17 Apr 2026

Africa’s shortlist jury members

South Africa

Design: Bronwen Rautenbach: co-founder, owner, & chief creative officer, Sunshinegun
Direct: Dudu Mokholo, chief marketing officer, Pernod Ricard Africa Middle East
Entertainment: Justin Gomes, founder and chief creative officer, Bananas
Film: Graeme Jenner, executive creative director, LePub Johannesburg
Film: Thabang Manyelo, executive creative director, The Odd Number
Film Craft: Katlego Baaitse, film director, Spitfire Films
Outdoor: Galaletsang Kgoathe, creative partner, Ogilvy South Africa
Outdoor: Thembalethu Msibi, co-founder and chief creative officer, BlackSwan
PR: Keri-Ann Stanton, chief strategist and founder, K.A.Muses Group (Pty) Ltd
PR: Nozipho Tshabalala, CEO, The Conversation Strategists
Social & Creator: Bridget Harpur, head of marketing, Volkswagen Group Africa
Social & Creator: Sibu Mabena, founder and chief creative officer, Duma Collective

Ethiopia

Film Craft: Zelalem Woldemariam, CEO and chief creative director, Zeleman Communications

Ghana

Brand Experience & Activation: Delali Dzidzienyo, head, marketing and corporate affairs, First National Bank Ghana
Design: Colin Yesutor, creative director, Havas Africa
Direct: Emmanuel Amankwah: executive creative director, ReZultz Advertising M&C Saatchi
Social & Creator, Sharon Mills, lead creative consultant, SMC Consulting

#CannesLions2026 | Awarding juries feature top South Africans

17 Apr 2026

Ivory Coast

Creative Commerce: Oriane Canfrin, head of marketing and communication, Ecobank
PR: Marc Antoine Koreki, managing director, Havas Africa Côte d'ivoire