Ghana is poised to host the largest Pan-African celebration of culture, commerce, and creativity as the countdown begins to the FESTAC AFRICA Festival 2025, slated for September 21 to 27, in Accra.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has assured the public and international partners that all is set for the monumental event that promises to transform the city into a hub of cultural and economic activity.
Speaking at the official launch of the festival in Accra, Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto, Chief Executive Officer, GTA said the festival would be a “landmark celebration of culture, creativity, and economic opportunity.”
She said the festival would not only showcase African heritage but also serve as a platform for sustainable development.
She said the theme for this year’s celebration, “Harnessing health, culture, trade, climate change, gender equality, and tourism for sustainable economic growth,” underscored the festival’s broader objective to unite the continent through shared values, drive innovation, and spotlight Africa’s rising influence on the global stage.
“This is more than an event, is the biggest Pan-African festival bringing together culture, commerce, and collaboration to drive sustainable development and create the largest trade market space during festival week.”
The GTA CEO said activities outlined for the seven-day festival include conferences, exhibitions, sports tournaments, film screenings, health and wellness checks, fashion shows, culinary experiences, and a Youth Summit.
She encouraged both locals and international visitors to immerse themselves fully in what she described as “the ultimate Black Star Experience.”
“Come and experience Africa in just seven days. Come and taste the Black Star Experience, where culture meets opportunity, and where Africa connects to the world.
More than a celebration, FESTAC AFRICA Festival 2025 is positioned as a springboard for trade and investment, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses, artisans, and creatives across the continent.
“This is how we turn culture into commerce. This is how we build an Africa where tourism, trade, and technology drive inclusive growth,” Mrs Houadjeto , said
She expressed gratitude to partners and stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, FESTAC AFRICA organisers, and continental collaborators, for their support in bringing the festival to Ghana.
Engr. Yinka Abioye, Chairman of FESTAC AFRICA Festival, said Ghana played a strategic role as a host nation, with the global world looking forward to an intriguing festival.
“From Accra to Abuja, from Nairobi to New York, the eyes of the world are on Ghana as we launch the biggest Pan-African festival of our time,” he said.
He said the festival was a movement and legacy project that would resonate across generations, and provide a platform for dialogue and partnership around trade, innovation, gender equity, health, and climate action.
“FESTAC AFRICA Festival 2025 is about inclusion, innovation, generations. Abridge between Africa and its global diaspora,” he added.
Engr. Abioye said, “this is where culture meets commerce, where tradition meets innovation, and where Africa meets the world.”
He called on Africans, the Diaspora, policy-makers, creatives, and entrepreneurs to take ownership of this historic event and help project a new narrative for Africa, one of unity, prosperity, and global relevance.
“Let Ghana be our stage. Let Africa be our story. Let the world be our audience. Together, let’s write history.”
GNA
