Ghana to host FESTAC 2025, Africa's biggest arts and culture festival
In what promises to be one of Africa's most defining cultural moments, Ghana has officially been unveiled as the host of FESTAC Africa 2025, Africa's biggest arts and culture festival bridging the past and the future.
CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, described the event as more than a festival. “This is us telling the world that Africa is not just awake, we are running,” she told Global South World. “With our fashion, food, music, and proud accents, we are showing the world we are ready to define our narrative.''
At a press conference held on June 10 in Accra, Houadjeto emphasised that FESTAC Africa 2025, slated for September 21 to 25, would serve as a cultural and economic bridge between Africa and the world.
“This is not just a festival,” she said. “It is a declaration that Africa is ready, not only to tell her own story but to define it.”
Scheduled under the theme “Harnessing Health, Culture, Trade, Climate Change, Gender Equity, and Tourism for Sustainable Economic Growth,” FESTAC Africa 2025 is expected to attract global attention and participation, bringing together artists, creatives, academics, and innovators from across Africa and the diaspora.
Houadjeto explained that cultural fusion is no longer a future concept, but it's happening now. “Intermarriages between the Global North and South are integrating our cultures,” she said. “We use FESTAC to amplify that fusion, from an African perspective,” she told GSW.
“Our fashion is worn everywhere. Our food is becoming global. I’ve seen international organisations and youth all over the world dancing to African music. What else do we need to see that the world is finally paying attention?”
She added that the continent is poised not only to participate but to lead in shaping the world’s cultural future.
"I know that the next shift is going to be Africa. So this is us trying to, you know, prepare our youth, prepare everybody," said Grace Mumo, CEO of FESTAC Africa.
The event will highlight not just the vibrancy of African culture but also its economic power, organisers disclosed.
“FESTAC is the platform where we own our voice,” said Houadjeto. “Our story is deep, and though we carry scars, those scars are strength. The world is finally ready to listen to Africa, and Africa is ready to speak.”
Source: globalsouthworld.com
