FESTAC Africa festival 2025 launched with a call to cement Africa’s legacy
This year’s FESTAC Africa festival 2025 scheduled to take place from Sunday, September 21-27, in Accra has been officially launched with a call for Africans and people of African descent to promote and cement Africa’s legacy.
The call, which falls in line with this year’s theme, “Harnessing Health, Culture, Trade, Climate Change, Gender Equity, and Tourism for Sustainable Economic Growth” is aimed at strengthening unity among Africans and taking its rightful place in world of politics.
In June this year, Ghana was announced the host of this year’s festival. The press launch, which took place at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park on Thursday, September 11, provided the platform for organisers and officials of Ghana Tourism Authority to announce the upcoming event.
In a speech read on her behalf, the CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Afua Huoadjeto, expressed Ghana’s preparedness to host a world-class celebration of Africa’s culture, creativity, commerce, and collective power.
“FESTAC AFRICA Festival 2025 is more than an event; it 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.
“Through the power of collaboration with FESTAC AFRICA, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, and our continental partners, Ghana is proud to host a festival that showcases the very best of Africa in just seven days.
“This is the ultimate Black Star Experience, and we invite everyone — Africans and friends of Africa alike — to come and experience Africa like never before,” she said.
Madam Houadjeto said the festival was not just about celebration but building sustainable linkages between culture and trade.
“We are unlocking opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, artisans, creators, and innovators across Africa to access new markets and form partnerships that last beyond the festival.
“This is how we turn culture into commerce. This is how we turn creativity into opportunity. This is how we build an Africa where tourism, trade, and technology drive inclusive growth,” she said.
In a presentation, Chairman for FESTAC, Engr Yinka Abioye mentioned that the seven days celebration was more than an event but a movement and rallying point to preserve Africa’s rich legacy.
“This is the Black Star Experience — the heart and soul of Africa, in one place, at one time. 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.
“Ghana will host a world-class celebration of Africa’s culture, creativity, commerce, and collective power. This is the Black Star Experience — the heart and soul of Africa, in one place, at one time,” he said.
He said the month of September, which marked Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah and renowned Pan African icon’s birthday brought renewal, reflection, and rebirth.
“September marks the return of the Diaspora to the homeland; it embodies Ghana’s place as the gateway to Africa. And now, it will forever be remembered as the month when Africa united under one banner to celebrate its greatness.
“Together, let us light the torch of a new Pan-African era — one of innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity,” he said.
The festival dates hold special significance, as they coincide with two important celebrations: September 21st, the birthday of Ghana's first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and September 27th, World Tourism Day.
Among a number of activities to mark the celebration are:
• Conferences & Summits: Trade, Tourism, Technology, Women ARISE, Youth BOLD Moves
• Health Screenings: Accessible to all attendees
• Cultural Performances: Nightly shows at Independence Square
• Sports & Youth Activities: Daily events, including SA vs Zimbabwe Braai Day and Walk4Hope
• Movies & Documentaries: Daily screenings celebrating African narratives
• Culinary Experiences: Ghana vs Nigeria Jollof Showdown, Afro-Fusion Runway
• Black Star Experience: Showcasing Ghana as Africa’s Gateway
• Tourism Activities
About FESTAC Festival
First held in Dakar, Senegal, in 1966, then later in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1977, FESTAC Africa Renaissance Festival didn’t hold for 45 years until its return in 2022 when it was held in Zanzibar.
Since then, the festival which has been a yearly affair has been held in Tanzania (2023), Kenya (2024) with Ghana taking the baton as host this September.
