In a significant move to invigorate its tourism sector and deepen connections with the global African diaspora, the Lagos State Government (LASG) announced on July 1 a strategic partnership with the organisers of the African Cultural Festival.
This collaboration is set to boost tourism flow between Nigeria and the United States, positioning Lagos as a premier destination and a catalyst for robust economic growth and development.
As reported by Vanguard, the festival is expected to draw a prestigious lineup of attendees, including African and diaspora dignitaries, U.S. lawmakers, globally renowned creatives, and influential leaders across the cultural, media, and business sectors.
Speaking on this critical initiative, Mr. Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, emphasised that this collaboration is crucial for reinforcing Lagos’ global cultural presence and deepening both diaspora engagement and economic impact. Aregbe further explained that this international cultural exchange, themed “Africa to the World: Culture, Creativity, and Collaboration”, will kick off with countdown activities across Lagos in July 2025. These events culminate in a major festival scheduled for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on September 19-20, 2025.
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“Our Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, sees the festival as aligned with our administration’s THEMES+ agenda, particularly around economic diversification and cultural diplomacy, which is why he approved our participation.
“While it may appear to be a festival of colours, we see beyond that. We see the opportunities it presents to tell our stories and secure a seat among global cultural hubs. I can assure you that this platform is a catalyst for lasting socio-economic transformation.
“We aim to strengthen diaspora participation, because building the Africa of our dreams demands unity, purpose, and commitment from Africans and all who believe in her future,” Aregbe stated.
A delegation of passionate creatives, entrepreneurs, and innovators from Lagos, all dedicated to culture and its global relevance, will represent the state at the event. Esteemed cultural icons such as Nike Okundaye of Nike Art Gallery and Miss Phipps, revered as living embodiments of African wisdom, will be honoured during the ‘Celebrating African Elders’ event.
The festival promises a rich program of events, including the Africa Arise Leadership Summit, the ACF Marketplace, Taste of Africa, the African I-D-E-N-T-I-T-Y Exhibition, the NextGen Connect Youth Forum, the African Diaspora Summit, the ACF runway, and the official launch of Duduplugs.
The Duduplugs platform, an innovation hub designed to connect Africa’s creative and economic sectors with global opportunities, is also expected to boost tourism interest in Lagos significantly starting next year. The African I-D-E-N-T-I-T-Y Exhibition, a key highlight, will specifically spotlight African heritage through compelling storytelling, visual arts, and film.
The African Cultural Festival is spearheaded by ACI Entertainment, an organisation with operations in both Lagos and Pennsylvania, driven by a vision to elevate Africa’s creative economy on the global stage.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers
What is the primary goal of the partnership between the Lagos State Government and the African Cultural Festival?
The primary objective is to boost tourism flow between Nigeria and the United States significantly, strengthen ties between Africans and their diaspora kin, and utilise the festival as a catalyst for Lagos’s economic growth and development.
When and where will the main African Cultural Festival take place?
The main festival will take place in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on September 19-20, 2025. However, countdown activities will commence across Lagos in July 2025.
What is the theme of this international cultural exchange?
The theme for this cultural exchange is “Africa to the World: Culture, Creativity, and Collaboration”.
Who is expected to attend the African Cultural Festival?
The festival aims to attract a diverse audience, including African and diaspora leaders, U.S. legislators, global creatives, and stakeholders from the culture, media, and enterprise sectors.
How does this festival align with the Lagos State Government’s agenda?
According to Mr. Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu sees the festival as aligning with the administration’s THEMES+ agenda, particularly focusing on economic diversification and cultural diplomacy.
What are some of the key highlights of the festival?
Key highlights include the Africa Arise Leadership Summit, ACF Marketplace, Taste of Africa, African I-D-E-N-T-I-T-Y Exhibition, NextGen Connect Youth Forum, African Diaspora Summit, ACF runway, and the official launch of Duduplugs.
What is Duduplugs and its purpose?
Duduplugs is an innovation hub that aims to connect Africa’s creative and economic sectors to global opportunities. It is also expected to boost tourism interest in Lagos starting next year.
Which cultural icons will be honoured during the festival?
Cultural icons such as Nike Okundaye of Nike Art Gallery and Miss Phipps will be honoured during the ‘Celebrating African Elders’ event.
Who is spearheading the African Cultural Festival?
The African Cultural Festival is spearheaded by ACI Entertainment, an organisation with operations in both Lagos and Pennsylvania.