Addis Ababa will host the highly anticipated second edition of the East Africa Art and Culture Festival from March 20 to 24, 2025.
Bringing together cultural representatives from nine East African nations, the festival aims to celebrate the region’s artistic heritage, foster unity, and promote cross-border collaboration.
Under the theme “Art and Culture for Regional Integration,” the event will feature an array of exhibitions, performances, and discussions designed to highlight the depth and diversity of East African traditions. The festival will serve as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, showcasing music, fashion, literature, film, and culinary arts. High-level delegates, artists, and cultural practitioners from Ethiopia, Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, Djibouti, South Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and also Kenya are expected to participate in this grand celebration.
During a press briefing, Ethiopia’s State Minister for Culture and Sport, Nafisa Almahdi, emphasized the festival’s role in strengthening regional ties.
“Ethiopia’s rich history and diverse cultural expressions stand as a beacon of civilization in Africa. Through this festival, we aim to elevate East Africa’s artistic identity and build bridges of understanding among nations,” she stated.
The four-day event, taking place at the Addis International Convention Centre, will include academic conferences, research symposia, craft fairs, circus performances, fashion showcases, and also book fairs. Attendees will experience traditional cuisine and performances from some of the region’s most celebrated artists. More than a cultural gathering, the festival will also serve as an economic platform, encouraging partnerships among artists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
As Addis Ababa prepares to welcome cultural delegations, expectations are high for an event that not only celebrates East Africa’s artistic excellence but also reinforces cultural diplomacy as a tool for regional cooperation.
