The Lagos State Government has announced a partnership with the African Cultural Festival (ACF) in anticipation of its 2025 edition.

The international cultural exchange, themed “Africa to the World: Culture, Creativity, and Collaboration,” will kick off with countdown activities across Lagos in July 2025, culminating in a major festival in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on September 19-20, 2025.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, in a statement, stated that the collaboration aims to reinforce Lagos’ global cultural presence, deepen diaspora engagement, and boost economic impact.

Aregbe emphasised that the festival offers Lagos the opportunity to share its stories, secure a place among global cultural hubs, and drive socio-economic transformation.

He said, “Our Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, sees the festival as aligned with our administration’s THEMES+ agenda, particularly around economic diversification and cultural diplomacy.

“While it may appear to be a festival of colours, we see beyond that. We see the opportunities it presents to tell our stories and secure a seat among global cultural hubs.

“I can assure you that this platform is a catalyst for lasting socio-economic transformation. We aim to strengthen diaspora participation, because building the Africa of our dreams demands unity, purpose, and commitment from Africans and all who believe in her future.” Aregbe stated.

He added that the state would be represented by a delegation of creatives, entrepreneurs, and innovators passionate about culture and its global relevance.

According to him, the festival is expected to attract a diverse range of attendees, including African and diaspora leaders, U.S. legislators, global creatives, and stakeholders from various cultural, media, and business sectors.

He noted that key highlights of the festival include the Africa Arise Leadership Summit, ACF Marketplace, Taste of Africa, African I-D-E-N-T-I-T-Y Exhibition, NextGen Connect Youth Forum, African Diaspora Summit, and the official launch of Duduplugs, an innovation hub designed to connect Africa’s creative and economic sectors to global opportunities.

Aregbe added that cultural icons such as Nike Okundaye of Nike Art Gallery and Miss Phipps would be honored during the “Celebrating African Elders” event, recognising their contributions to African wisdom and culture.

The African Cultural Festival is spearheaded by ACI Entertainment, with operations in Lagos and Pennsylvania, and a vision to elevate Africa’s creative economy on the global stage.