Cotonou · Comedy
Laughter Becomes an Industry in Cotonou: The Comedy Festival Returns, Bigger, From December 1 to 6
From December 1 to 6, 2026, the 2nd Cotonou Comedy Festival rolls out in Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi and Parakou a comedy market, a springboard for new talent and two galas at the Palais des Congrès. Benin and Jokenation want to turn laughter into an industry — tickets on sale from 2,000 FCFA.
Cotonou (Benin), November 10, 2026. Laughter is no longer just a show: in Cotonou, it is becoming an industry. The 2nd Cotonou Comedy Festival will run from December 1 to 6, 2026 in Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi and Parakou, presented by the Beninese government and the Jokenation group, organizer of Montreux Comedy. The outline was unveiled on Monday, November 9 at a press conference at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Cotonou.
The first edition drew more than 4,500 festivalgoers and generated more than 30 million online views. This time, the ambition steps up a notch: turning African comedy into a complete professional ecosystem, from training young talent to bringing together producers, clubs and media from across the continent.
A market and a springboard for the next generation
The big new feature, the Rencontres de l'Humour Africain (African Comedy Meetings), will create a true professional market for comedy. The Tremplin du Rire (Laughter Springboard) goes talent-hunting: auditions in Parakou on November 14 and in Cotonou on November 15, eight selected candidates and three days of training. The Panaf Comedy Club and the Village du Rire, free on December 4 and 5, will open the party to every audience.
Two galas at the Palais des Congrès
On December 4, the “Sacrées Amazones” gala brings together an all-female line-up hosted by Laetitia Mampaka: Coco Makmak, Charlotte Ntamack, Divine Mande, Stéphanie Bluetooth, Abel Bowala, Olivia Dago and Aby 2 Fois. On December 5, the “Pour Deux” gala stages Oualas and Moussa Petit Sergent. Closing on December 6 at the Dôme Sofitel. Tickets are on sale on Gozem and cotonoucomedy.com, with a promotional rate from 2,000 FCFA until November 15: Cotonou is getting ready to laugh — and to work — for six days.
In practice
Dates : Tuesday, December 1 to Sunday, December 6, 2026 — 2nd edition
Venues : Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi and Parakou (Benin)
Galas : “Sacrées Amazones” on December 4 and “Pour Deux” on December 5, at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou; closing on December 6 at the Dôme Sofitel
New features : Rencontres de l'Humour Africain, Tremplin du Rire (auditions on November 14 and 15), Panaf Comedy Club, Village du Rire
Tickets : Gozem and cotonoucomedy.com — promotional rate from 2,000 FCFA until November 15
