Stakeholders from across Nigeria’s public and private sectors gathered in Lagos on February 3rd, 2026, for the official launch of the Africa Connected Through Trade, Talent & Culture Festival (ACFTA Fest), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at uniting the continent through commerce, creativity, and sports.
Scheduled for March 26-28, 2026, in Abuja, the three-day Pan-African festival is poised to make history by empowering 1.5 million young Africans in entrepreneurship, the arts, and athletics while generating over $5 billion in trade agreements and business partnerships across the continent.
ACFTA Fest represents a bold vision to transform Africa’s economic landscape by bringing together the continent’s most vibrant cultures, innovative entrepreneurs, and celebrated sporting icons under one roof. The festival seeks to create a dynamic ecosystem where collaboration, cultural exchange, and business development intersect to showcase African excellence on a continental scale.
At the Lagos press conference, Project Lead Mandi Anyangwe emphasized that the initiative is strategically designed to strengthen intra-African trade and position Africa as a unified, integrated marketplace. She explained that the festival will build grassroots awareness of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), ensuring broader participation while mobilizing youth and creative professionals as catalysts for economic transformation across the continent.
Former football star Eyong Enoh, who attended the event, characterized the festival as a platform for breaking down barriers and fostering unity throughout Africa. He stressed the importance of inclusive innovation and collaborative efforts to drive substantive continental progress.
Lagos State House of Assembly member Desmond Elliot reinforced the significance of Africans controlling their own narratives and preserving their cultural heritage. He praised the festival’s commitment to celebrating African identity while urging stakeholders to work together in creating supportive conditions for the project’s success.
The inaugural ACFTA Fest will feature business exhibitions, cultural showcases, artistic performances, and special tributes to African football legends. The festival is designed to connect entrepreneurs with potential investors, facilitate trade opportunities, and celebrate the continent’s rich cultural diversity through performances and interactive experiences.
Interested participants can visit www.acftafest.com for comprehensive information about involvement opportunities. Multiple ticket categories are available, including virtual access, regular admission, premium packages, and delegate passes that provide entry to concerts, exhibitions, workshops, networking events, and additional programming throughout the three-day celebration of African achievement.
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