The closing ceremony and presentation of the artworks brought together the participating artists, JamSalam representatives from the 15 African countries where Attijariwafa bank Group operates, as well as representatives of Club Afrique Développement and the Attijariwafa bank Foundation, in a spirit of sharing and solidarity.
During the ceremony, the artists, aged between 20 and 35, received certificates of participation and spoke about the lasting impact the residency had on their artistic journeys.
Addressing the gathering, painter and sculptor Mohamed Mourabiti, founder of the Al Maqam residency, praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of collective artistic creation and intra-African dialogue in fostering development rooted in local communities.
Held under the theme “In the Name of Toumaï, Hope for Life,” this year’s edition encouraged participants to produce works in painting, sculpture, and photography. Professionals and invited guests commended the quality and sensitivity of the artworks presented.
Throughout the two-week residency, the artists also benefited from the mentorship and artistic direction of Ousseynou Wade, president of the JamSalam Grand Jury and a leading figure in Africa’s cultural scene. Cultural visits to Rabat and Marrakech further broadened their perspectives and sources of inspiration.
The works created during the residency will be showcased at the next International Africa Development Forum, organized by Attijariwafa bank’s Club Afrique Développement, before being auctioned to support a charitable cause. The JamSalam 2026 cohort will also join the Club Afrique Développement community to foster continued collaboration and long-term impact in support of shared progress.
Centered on the theme of peace—“Jam” meaning “peace” in Wolof and “Salam” meaning “peace” in Arabic—the 2026 edition brought together 15 artists from across the continent: Falhone Ogun (painting, Benin), Ali Drabo (photography, Burkina Faso), Grâce Dorothe Tong (multidisciplinary arts, Cameroon), Shams (painting and design, Republic of the Congo), Ouacabessay Kouame (painting, Côte d’Ivoire), Doaa Fakher (painting, Egypt), Julie Mvie (photography, Gabon), Maïmouna Touré (painting, Mali), Yassine Chraïbi (multidisciplinary arts, Morocco), Sidi Mohamed Sow (photography, Mauritania), Ibrahim Harouna (multimedia arts, Niger), Marema (painting, Senegal), Emmanuel Koukta (photography, Chad), Afi Elikplim (sculpture, Togo), and Sabra Ben Fradj (painting, Tunisia).
