The NBM of Africa Worldwide has initiated a strategic partnership with Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy to bolster the country's cultural diplomacy and Pan-African engagement. This move comes ahead of the forthcoming FESTAC Africa 2026, scheduled to take place in Dakar, Senegal, from December 13 to 20. The partnership aims to leverage culture, heritage, and creative enterprise to deepen African unity and strengthen international partnerships.
FESTAC Africa 2026 is being positioned as a high-level cultural and intellectual summit marking 60 years of Africa's modern cultural renaissance. The event will highlight culture as an instrument of diplomacy, continental development, and intellectual engagement. This engagement is particularly significant for Nigeria as the country prepares for the 50th anniversary of FESTAC '77, a historic festival hosted by Nigeria in 1977 that brought together over 17,000 participants from 59 Black African countries and communities.
The NBM delegation, led by Prof. Abubakar Sadeeq, explored areas of cooperation that can strengthen Nigeria's participation in continental cultural initiatives while promoting its rich heritage, creative talents, and longstanding Pan-African identity. The discussions also emphasized the potential of culture and the creative economy to promote youth empowerment, tourism, international partnerships, and sustainable development.
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, established in 2024, is responsible for strengthening Nigeria's arts, culture, tourism, and creative sectors. The Ministry's role includes festivals, heritage, film, music, and creative industry development. This partnership with NBM is expected to enhance Nigeria's cultural presence and engagement on the continental stage.
The engagement between NBM and the Ministry signals an opportunity to build stronger institutional bridges around Nigeria's cultural heritage and Pan-African commitments. This collaboration aims to ensure that culture serves not merely as entertainment but as a powerful instrument for diplomacy, unity, economic opportunity, and Africa's global influence.
Nigeria's cultural agencies are intensifying preparations for FESTAC '77 @ 50, with a focus on heritage preservation, diaspora engagement, youth creativity, cultural diplomacy, and creative innovation. The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation has identified these key pillars as part of the 2027 commemoration. The NBM initiative aligns with these efforts, further solidifying Nigeria's commitment to cultural development and Pan-Africanism.
The partnership between NBM and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy is a significant step towards maximizing the economic and diplomatic value of Nigeria's vast cultural assets. By leveraging culture and creative enterprise, Nigeria aims to promote its rich heritage and contribute to Africa's cultural renaissance.
Key points
- NBM of Africa Worldwide partners with Nigeria's Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to strengthen cultural diplomacy ahead of FESTAC Africa 2026.
- The partnership aims to leverage culture, heritage, and creative enterprise to deepen African unity and strengthen international partnerships.
- FESTAC Africa 2026 will mark 60 years of Africa's modern cultural renaissance, highlighting culture as an instrument of diplomacy, continental development, and intellectual engagement.
