East Africa Art and Culture Festival Set to Take Place in Addis This Week 

Addis Ababa, March 18, 2025 (ENA)—The second edition of the East Africa Art and Culture Festival that anticipates bringing together nine countries will take place in Addis Ababa from March 20 to 24, 2025.

The event aims to showcase the rich cultural diversity and artistic heritage of East African nations while fostering regional unity and cooperation. 

During a press briefing today, Culture and Sport State Minister Nafisa Al-Mahdi said the event is a platform for East African countries to present their cultural and artistic works, strengthen diplomatic ties, and enhance regional integration.

It is an opportunity to celebrate our shared heritage and build stronger people-to-people connections, she added.

The festival will feature a wide array of activities, including conferences, symposiums, cultural and artistic exhibitions, circus performances, traditional cuisines, fashion shows, music, film, and theater as well as book fairs.

 

The event is designed to highlight the unique cultural identities of participating nations. 

Participants from Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, Djibouti, South Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Kenya are expected to attend the festival.

“The festival will serve as a bridge for cultural diplomacy and regional cooperation. It will create a conducive environment for artists, cultural producers, and service providers to exhibit and market their works, contributing to economic growth and cultural exchange,” the state minister said.

Ethiopia, as the host nation, will use the occasion to showcase its rich cultural heritage, history, and artistic creativity to the world, Nafisa stated, adding that “Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic and cultural fabric, along with its vibrant artistic innovations, will be on full display."

The event under the theme "Art and Culture for Regional Integration" will bring together regional and city administrations, cultural institutions, and stakeholders from across East Africa.

 

According to the state minister, the festival is expected to strengthen brotherhood and sisterhood among nations, facilitate knowledge exchange, and create a conducive environment for cultural diplomacy.

Preparations for the four-day event have been finalized, with organizers ensuring a seamless experience for participants and attendees.

According to Nafisa, the festival is not just a celebration of art and culture but also a platform to draw global attention to East Africa’s cultural richness and foster stronger ties among the nations.