In an atmosphere charged with excitement, the official press launch of Festac Africa 2025 was held on Tuesday, 10th June 2025, at the Ghana Tourism Authority in Accra. 

The event marked a significant milestone for tourism, the creative industries, and the broader African development agenda.

Organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority in partnership with the Festac Africa Secretariat and the Government of Ghana, the festival aims to celebrate African heritage while fostering cross-continental connections. The launch emphasized Ghana’s positioning as a cultural tourism hub and a beacon of Pan-African unity.

The programme opened with a captivating poetry performance by Kwabena Prah Africa, a renowned radio personality, actor, and spoken word artist. His piece, Broken, Woven, and Spoken, struck a deep chord with the audience, underscoring the festival’s theme of reclaiming the African narrative and highlighting the importance of unity in the face of global challenges.

Chairman of Festac Africa, Mr. Yinka Abiole, expressed his excitement for the upcoming festival, which is scheduled to run for seven days, with potential extensions for pre-events. He noted that the festival’s timing in September coincides with global Tourism Month, the United Nations’ Tourism Week, and the birthday of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah. Mr. Abiole outlined a packed schedule of cultural performances, conferences, exhibitions, movie screenings, sports activities, and health screenings. The event is expected to draw over 100,000 visitors and delegates, supported by the African Union and participants from across the continent.

The festival, also referred to as Fest in Africa, will spotlight Africa’s rich cultural diversity through a variety of performances. Mr. Abiole encouraged the Ghanaian community to actively participate and showcase their culture. He also revealed that Kenya has already confirmed its participation with theatrical performances.

CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, expressed the Authority’s pride in supporting the festival. She highlighted the unifying aspects of African fashion—vibrant colours, beads, and textiles—which reflect the continent’s shared cultural identity. She also emphasized the significance of networking opportunities during the event, which will include sports and health screenings.

In her closing remarks, Maame Efua Houadjeto proposed the inclusion of a masterclass for local artists, leveraging the presence of prominent art dignitaries. She further stressed the importance of self-awareness and embracing one’s identity as key aspects of tourism, while expressing her excitement about incorporating domestic tourism into the festival. She encouraged attendees to explore Ghana’s natural beauty, cultural landmarks, diverse communities, languages, and culinary traditions.

Festac Africa 2025 is poised to be a vibrant showcase of African culture and unity. 

Speakers throughout the launch called for sponsors to support the event as the Ghana Tourism Authority and its partners prepare for what promises to be a major celebration of Africa’s rich heritage.