The inaugural Punchline International Comedy Festival (PICF) is a week-long celebration taking place from May 25 to May 30, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Organised by Punchline Africa under the banner theme "Uniting Africa Through Comedy," the festival brings together leading stand-up comedians from six African nations, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Togo, Ghana, and South Africa.

Festival lineup & core schedule

The festival features a packed multi-day itinerary that includes professional writers' rooms, comedy workshops, open mic nights, and localized pop-up activations. The week builds up to two major signature showcase events:

Bwaga Manyanga (The Big Swahili Comedy Showcase): A premium all-Swahili comedy night happening on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the PSSSF Commercial Complex in Ubungo.

The Grand Finale (The Ultimate All-English Showcase): The festival's headline closing production taking place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at The Superdome in Masaki.

Kojo PJay, Stand Up Comedian and Comic Writer of the Year 2025, has been selected to represent Ghana on the stage in Tanzania. Known for his universally relatable writing and content, he promises to leave a mark and make the motherland proud, opening the door for more Ghanaian comics to get on board.