Grammy award-winning artist Doja Cat will headline the South African leg of the Move Afrika tour in Pretoria on 20 March 2026. The concert, hosted at SunBet Arena in Time Square, Menlyn Maine, forms part of Global Citizen’s third edition of the pan-African touring circuit aimed at driving economic activity through the continent’s creative industries and with Rwanda and South Africa confirmed as 2026 host countries, the announcement positions Pretoria as a key stop on a tour designed to generate jobs and expand Africa’s live entertainment infrastructure.
Global Citizen confirmed that Move Afrika: Pretoria will follow Move Afrika: Kigali, scheduled for 17 March 2026 at BK Arena in Rwanda. According to the organisation, the initiative is structured as more than a concert series, focusing instead on long-term economic investment and skills development within host cities.
Move Afrika Expands Into Its Third Year
Move Afrika launched with the stated aim of building what organisers describe as the first pan-African music touring circuit driven by international artists. The 2026 edition marks its third year, with expansion continuing across selected African cities.
Global Citizen said the tour seeks to:
- Strengthen Africa’s live entertainment infrastructure
- Create employment opportunities in production, logistics, and event management
- Attract international touring standards to African venues
- Develop pathways for young professionals in the creative economy
The organisation has positioned the project as part of a broader strategy to grow Africa’s cultural and economic footprint within the global music industry.
Pretoria Confirmed as South Africa’s Host City
The South African event will take place at:
- Venue: SunBet Arena, Time Square
- Location: Menlyn Maine, Aramist Avenue 209, Pretoria
- Date: Friday, 20 March 2026
- Time: 20:00
- Ticket Price: From R1195 via Ticketmaster
Pretoria’s selection places Gauteng at the centre of the South African leg of the tour. The province has historically hosted major international acts, supported by its established venues, transport networks, and hospitality infrastructure.
Industry analysts note that Gauteng remains South Africa’s primary events hub, with the majority of large-scale international tours choosing Johannesburg or Pretoria for stadium and arena performances.
Doja Cat’s South African Roots
Doja Cat, born in Los Angeles, has South African heritage through her father, Dumisani Dlamini, a South African actor of Zulu descent. While raised in the United States, she has publicly acknowledged her South African ancestry.
In a statement issued through Global Citizen, the artist described the tour as a movement that supports job creation and celebrates African creativity. Organisers highlighted her participation as significant, given her international profile and connection to the continent.
The Grammy-winning artist is widely recognised for her crossover success in pop, hip-hop, and R&B, as well as her high-energy live performances.
Economic Impact Beyond the Stage
Global Citizen describes Move Afrika as both an economic development initiative and a touring circuit. According to the organisation, the programme seeks to build lasting industry infrastructure in host countries rather than operate as a once-off concert model.
Key objectives include:
- Increasing local hiring in event production
- Upskilling technicians, stage crews, and creative professionals
- Encouraging global touring standards within African markets
- Strengthening partnerships with local vendors and service providers
In Gauteng, large-scale concerts typically generate economic activity across accommodation, transport, catering, and security sectors.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, the event carries both cultural and economic significance.
Pretoria hosting an international artist of Doja Cat’s stature reinforces Gauteng’s position as a continental entertainment hub. Major tours can stimulate short-term job creation in areas such as staging, lighting, ticketing, hospitality, and security.
The event may also increase tourism in Pretoria over the March long weekend period, potentially benefiting surrounding businesses in Menlyn and broader Tshwane.
For young professionals in Gauteng’s creative industries, initiatives linked to Move Afrika may provide exposure to international production standards and industry networks.
Ticketing and Access
Tickets are priced from R1195 per person, with sales facilitated through Ticketmaster. Organisers have not yet confirmed additional supporting acts for the Pretoria leg.
Security, transport planning, and crowd management arrangements are expected to be communicated closer to the event date.
Given Gauteng’s history with high-demand international concerts, early ticket sales are anticipated.
Global Citizen’s Broader Mission
Global Citizen is internationally known for campaigns addressing poverty and inequality. Through Move Afrika, the organisation states it aims to align entertainment with economic development across the continent.
The initiative forms part of a longer-term strategy to build a sustainable touring model in Africa that attracts global talent while strengthening local creative economies.
Rwanda joins South Africa as the second confirmed host country for 2026, with organisers indicating plans for further geographic expansion in future editions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Doja Cat performing in Pretoria?
The concert is scheduled for Friday, 20 March 2026, at 20:00 at SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are priced from R1195 per person via Ticketmaster.
What is Move Afrika?
Move Afrika is a pan-African touring initiative led by Global Citizen that aims to drive economic growth and job creation through large-scale music events.
Is South Africa the only host country?
No. Rwanda will also host a Move Afrika event in Kigali on 17 March 2026.
Why is the event being held in Pretoria?
Organisers selected Pretoria as the South African host city, with the SunBet Arena providing the necessary capacity and infrastructure for an international touring production.
What Happens Next
Further production details, supporting acts, and logistical updates are expected in the weeks leading up to the March 2026 event. Organisers have indicated that Move Afrika will continue expanding into additional African markets in future editions.
As preparations begin for the Pretoria stop, Gauteng once again positions itself at the forefront of major international touring events on the continent.
