Have you ever imagined a festival where the heartbeat of Africa—its rhythms, its colours, its people—takes centre stage on a global platform? That moment is almost here. With just 17 days to go, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in the United States is gearing up to host the much-anticipated African Cultural Festival (ACF2025), a truly remarkable event spotlighting African culture, creativity, and collaboration from 19 to 21 September 2025.
Under the evocative theme “Africa to the World: Culture, Creativity, and Collaboration”, this cultural festival promises to bring together a dazzling array of African and diaspora leaders—artists, entrepreneurs, lawmakers, and visionaries. Their mission: to unite communities, ignite global interest in African heritage, and create a melting pot of opportunity. For many, it feels like a homecoming and a bold leap forward. Will Nigeria—and by extension, Africa—rise to the challenge and stake her claim as a global cultural powerhouse? Time will tell.
Festival Preview: Lagos Leads the Way for Africa’s Creative Rise
At a recent media briefing in Lagos, Mr. Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts, Culture, and Tourism, did not mince words. According to him, Lagos is not just keeping up—it is setting the pace for Africa’s creative economy on the world stage. His words echo a sentiment many Nigerians hold dear: “We are not here to play second fiddle. Lagos dey for front!”
But Mr. Aregbe’s message moves beyond celebration. He emphasised that ACF2025 is about opening lasting doors—for economic advancement, for robust tourism circuits, for powerful partnerships, and for fresh investment flows. With Lagos increasingly recognised as West Africa’s cultural and business leader, the spotlight now turns to whether this vibrant city can drive lasting change and meaningful transformation. Will the festival be a one-hit wonder, or a genuine springboard for African potential?
‘Africa to the World’—Celebrating Heritage, Fueling Futures
Festival Director Foluke Michael, a passionate advocate for cultural innovation, drew attention to the festival’s earlier global unveiling in Harrisburg. She described ACF2025 not only as a celebration, but as “an investment in Africa’s future.” Her words underscore the larger question facing many Africans in the diaspora: “How can our rich cultural legacy fuel new opportunities back home?”
As Nigeria’s creative scene experiences an unprecedented renaissance—from Nollywood’s blockbuster movies to Afrobeats’ chart-topping hits and world-class fashion—ACF2025 stands as a lighthouse for Africa’s boundless potential. According to event organisers, the festival will feature music, dance, art installations, and dynamic business forums. The hope is clear: empower Africa’s next generation and deepen global respect for the continent’s untold stories.
Connecting Diaspora, Driving Socio-Economic Impact
Mr. Dipo Odebowale, representing the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), highlighted how ACF2025 is designed to showcase the very best of Nigeria and foster enduring ties with the global diaspora. He reportedly told the gathering that by spotlighting Nigeria’s creative and entrepreneurial force, the festival will nurture powerful links with Africans in the diaspora—links that can drive transformative economic and cultural exchange.
With Providus Bank offering targeted support, the festival hopes to connect African talents with global opportunities—creating win-win scenarios that could ripple across sectors. But as many Lagos-based business analysts point out, genuine impact will demand follow-through: “It’s not enough to be the loudest. Is Nigeria ready to lead with substance?”
The Social Pulse: Lagos to Headline ACF2025 in the US
The festival’s growing buzz can be felt on social media, too. In a post on the official Facebook page of the Lagos State Government, excitement radiates for Lagos as a headliner at this iconic event. The message is simple but powerful: Africa, and Lagos in particular, is ready to shine on the biggest of stages.
“LAGOS TO CHAMPION AFRICA’s CREATIVE RENAISSANCE AT U.S. AFRICAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL
… Providus Bank, Lagos State Government, Partners Kickstart Countdown
With just 17 days to go, preparations are in full swing for the much-anticipated African Cultural Festival (ACF2025) scheduled to hold from September 19–21, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA.
The festival, themed “Africa to the World: Culture, Creativity, and Collaboration,” will convene African and diaspora leaders, U.S. legislators, global creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural powerhouses to celebrate, promote, and commercialise Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
Speaking at a press briefing hosted by Providus Bank in Lekki, Lagos, on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Idris Aregbe, highlighted Lagos’s NOWAHALAZONE role in driving Africa’s creative economy onto the global stage.
“As the heartbeat of Africa’s creative economy, Lagos is proud to champion our cultural wealth and innovation at ACF2025. Beyond celebration, this festival creates real pathways for economic growth, opening doors for tourism investment, global partnerships, and opportunities that will strengthen Lagos’ position as West Africa’s cultural and economic hub,” Aregbe stated.
Festival Director, Foluke Michael, reflected on the global unveiling of ACF2025 earlier this year at the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg, where Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka and art icon Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye were honoured at the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate.
“That moment confirmed the festival’s international importance. ACF2025 is more than a festival. It is a celebration, an investment, and a legacy for Africa and its diaspora,” she said.
Representing the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Head of Liaison Office, Mr. Dipo Odebowale, described the festival as a platform to showcase Nigeria’s excellence.
“NiDCOM is excited to join forces with stakeholders to shape Nigeria’s narrative globally. ACF2025 provides a unique platform to showcase the brilliance of Nigerians at home and abroad while creating stronger cultural and economic ties with our diaspora,” he noted.
Also speaking, Ms. Oluwatoyin Adepoju, Head of Diaspora Banking at Providus Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to connecting African talent with global opportunities.
“Providus Bank is proud to support a festival that fosters youth entrepreneurship, diaspora investment, and creative enterprise. We are committed to strengthening the ties between Nigeria’s creative sector and the global community,” Adepoju said.
As Africa’s undisputed capital of creativity, Lagos will lead a powerful delegation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and cultural ambassadors to Harrisburg. From fashion and food to technology and trade, Lagos will proudly showcase its world-class heritage, industries, and human capital.
Through this platform, the State aims to deepen diaspora engagement, forge global partnerships, and attract high-impact investments that will advance socio-economic transformation across Nigeria and Africa.”
You can catch all the buzz here on the Lagos State Government Facebook page—where pride, hope, and ambition blend effortlessly.
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
The Spiritual Thread: Pete Edochie Weighs In
Interestingly, as Nigeria discusses the link between its past and future, legendary Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has added another layer to the conversation. In a widely cited interview, Edochie pointed out fascinating similarities between Christianity and African Traditional Religion (ATR), suggesting that where the former celebrates saints, African religions revere ancestors. For many Nigerians, his remarks sparked lively debates about identity, belief, and shared values—reminding all that Africa’s future is built on the foundation of its complex past.
What Does This Mean for Nigeria—and Africa?
So, what’s truly at stake as the African Cultural Festival 2025 draws near? If executed well, the festival could unlock:
- Bolstered tourism and creative industries—not just for Lagos, but for other African cities angling for the world stage
- Deeper diaspora engagement—nurturing skills, business deals, and cultural pride
- Fresh investment and economic ties—especially for Nigeria’s booming tech, fashion, and entertainment scenes
- Richer storytelling—as Nollywood, Afrobeats, and art platforms find new global audiences
Still, experts caution that building momentum is only the first step. As a Lagos-based creative entrepreneur put it, “Na when the last drumbeat stop, we go know who really dey work. The festival must leave real impact, not just ajasa (noise).”
Global Vision, Local Roots: The Road Ahead
In just a few days, the eyes of the world will be on Harrisburg—and by extension, Nigeria and Africa. Will ACF2025 spark a creative renaissance? Or will it be another flash in the pan? The answers may lie in the hands of the very people gathering to celebrate, collaborate, and chart a new cultural course.
For now, as the countdown continues, one thing is certain: Africa’s story is far from over—and all of us are part of the next chapter.
What are your hopes for ACF2025? Do you think Nigeria can use this opportunity to redefine Africa’s place on the global stage? Share your opinion below and let’s keep the conversation alive!
Do you have a unique story, hot gist, or cultural perspective you want the world to hear? We’re always open to fresh voices and big ideas! Get your story featured by contacting us at story@nowahalazone.com. For support or inquiries, reach us at support@nowahalazone.com.
Follow us for the latest on African culture, business, and life: Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram. Don’t dull—join the conversation and shape the narrative!
