Ghana is set to host the Africa Festival of Arts, Culture and Creatives (AFESTAC) 2026 alongside Industrial Skills Week Africa (ISWA) 2026 in Accra from December 9 to 12, 2026. The events, supported by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), aim to celebrate Africa's rich cultural heritage, strengthen the creative economy, and promote industrial skills development. This initiative is expected to create employment opportunities for young people and promote Ghana's cultural industry.
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called on corporate Ghana, the media, and the general public to support the initiative through partnerships, sponsorships, and active participation. The minister believes that the events will provide a platform for stakeholders to come together and discuss ways to develop Ghana's cultural heritage and creative industries. She emphasized the potential of Ghana's heritage sites, Kente, Fugu, Highlife Music and Dance, Gastronomy, and Festivals to attract visitors and create business opportunities.
AFESTAC 2026 and ISWA 2026 will bring together stakeholders from across Africa to celebrate the continent's rich cultural heritage. The events will feature various activities, including performances, exhibitions, and workshops. The festival will provide a platform for artists, cultural practitioners, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and network with potential partners and investors.
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) is supporting the events to promote cultural preservation, protect intellectual property, and promote Ghanaian creativity on the global stage. AUDA-NEPAD's support is expected to help Ghana leverage its cultural heritage to drive economic growth and create jobs.
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts recently engaged with the IMANI Center for Policy and Education team to discuss opportunities for policy research and collaboration to support evidence-based decision-making and sustainable development across the tourism, culture, and creative sector. The engagement explored ways to increase investment in Ghana's cultural heritage, creative industries, and tourism infrastructure.
The events are expected to have a positive impact on Ghana's economy, particularly in the tourism sector. The government hopes that the festival will attract visitors from across Africa and beyond, generating revenue and creating jobs for local communities. The events will also provide a platform for Ghanaian artists and creative entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and connect with international buyers and investors.
As the events approach, stakeholders are gearing up to ensure their success. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts is working closely with partners to ensure that the events are well-organized and impactful. With the support of corporate Ghana, the media, and the general public, AFESTAC 2026 and ISWA 2026 are expected to be a huge success, promoting Ghana's cultural heritage and creative industries on the global stage.
Key points
- The Africa Festival of Arts, Culture and Creatives (AFESTAC) 2026 will take place in Accra from December 9 to 12, 2026.
- The events aim to celebrate Africa's rich cultural heritage, strengthen the creative economy, and promote industrial skills development.
- The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) is supporting the events to promote cultural preservation and protect intellectual property.
