The African Union (AU) headquarters and Skylight hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia respectively hosted 38 African nations and 11 countries from Asia, Europe, North and South America during the just-concluded three-day ‘Africa Celebrates 2023’ that had high profile guests from around the world.
  
The event, which is designed as a platform for promoting Africa’s rich art, culture, heritage, tourism, trade, investment, science, and technology, etc while encouraging the consumption of “Made in Africa” products presented an unforgettable extravaganza of African hospitality industry setting a new standard for cultural convergence and international collaboration.
  
The event seeks to boost intra and inter African trade, investment, and tourism, with a strong emphasis on supporting and empowering women and youth in wealth creation.
  
According to the organisers, Africa Celebrates mission is to celebrate Africa’s unity in diversity by fostering economic, social, and political integration across the continent
  
The official opening ceremony held at the AU Headquarters was unveiled by Dr. Oswald Chinyamakobvu of the Department of Trade and Industry of the African Union, while Lexy Mojo-Eyes, the President/CEO of Legendary Gold Limited and the driving force behind Africa Celebrates delivered the warm welcome address.
  
A high-level panel session, titled “Building the Economic Landscape to Optimise Investment Opportunities in the African Culture & Tourism Sector” was expertly moderated by President of the African Tourism Board Mr. Cuthbert Ncube, while featuring notable participants like Hon. Rizik Zakaria Hassan, Minister of Wildlife Conservation & Tourism of South Sudan, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, immediate past Minister of Culture & Tourism of Nigeria, HRH Zolani Mkiva, member of South African Parliament and Head of the Institute of African Royalty and Sagno Stella Aicha, highly accomplished
UNESCO attained music artist from Burkina Faso.
  
Lineup activities shifted to the Skylight Hotel, where various forums and summits were featured. These included the Africa Global Economic & Development Summit, Pan African Women Empowerment Summit with Dr. Joyce Hilda Banda, former President of Malawi as the Keynote Speaker, Afro Film Alliance workshop, a capacity building scheme for young African film makers and Diaspora Africa Konnect sessions.
  
The event also featured a vibrant cultural night filled with African music, dance, and delectable cuisines from participating countries. The night showcased performances and culinary delights from Mali, Burundi, Algeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, DR Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, and South Sudan.
  
Also, there were sessions for various components of Africa Celebrates in preparation for the Gala Fashion, Music, and Awards Night. Attendees arrived dressed in their finest African attires, a testament to the event’s emphasis on cultural celebration. The night featured a dazzling fashion show with designers from 19 African countries and an Asian designer, Kima Dongak, highlighting the potential for future collaboration between Africa and other continents. Dance and music performances added to the evening’s excitement, with an electrifying show by the Amagaba dance troupe from Burundi and a stellar musical performance by Nigerian artist Olakira.
  
The grand finale of Africa Celebrates 2023 was the awards ceremony, where deserving individuals and groups were recognised for their outstanding contributions. Notably, Dr. Joyce Hilda Banda, former President of Malawi, received the highest recognition for her role as an inspiration to African women globally.
  
Awards were also given to South Sudan for bringing the largest delegation of 75 people to Africa Celebrates 2023 and Amagaba dance troupe from Burundi got the award for the best performing dance troupe. Awards were also presented to Pumela Salela, UK Country Head, among others.
  
Thirteen countries participated in the Made in Africa Exhibition, showcasing their products and talents, further enhancing the event’s international appeal.
  
The success of Africa Celebrates 2023 was a collaborative effort organised by Legendary Gold Limited, in partnership with the African Union, Embassies of Nigeria & Burundi to Ethiopia, Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Africa Tourism Board, and the US delegation to the African Union. Local Ethiopian co-organisers included Pristine Marketing Group and Studio 1888. Other partners included Africa for African Women Conference, J4ward Global, Design Essentials, Mayalz Events, Kana Tv, Art Tv, Kenniz Fm, Global Green Development Group, 20 October Institute for Arts & Entertainment, Etiquette Global Services, Habesha, Malaika African cuisine & grill and Platinum Entertainment Producers. Ethiopian Airlines and Skylight hotel were the official airline and hotel respectively.