Sterling Bank has renewed its partnership with the Aké Arts and Book Festival, a premier gathering of writers, artists, and thinkers in Africa. The festival, now in its 14th edition, will take place in Lagos from November 19 to 21, 2026. This year's theme, 'Native Intelligence,' will examine the relationship between traditional African knowledge and artificial intelligence systems. The festival aims to explore how Africa's cultural heritage can be integrated into the increasingly technology-driven world.
The Aké Arts and Book Festival has become a significant platform for established and emerging writers, artists, and thinkers to converge and share ideas. Since its inception, the festival has brought together over 1,000 creative voices, providing opportunities for African stories and perspectives to reach wider audiences. Sterling Bank has been a partner of the festival since 2018, demonstrating its commitment to investing in Africa's cultural and intellectual future.
The theme 'Native Intelligence' stems from the idea that Africa has a rich cultural heritage and traditional knowledge systems that predate artificial intelligence. The festival will explore how African languages, experiences, and cultural contexts can be represented in modern technologies. This conversation is crucial in today's world, where artificial intelligence is changing how stories are told, elections are fought, and truth is reported.
Donatus Okpako, Chief Marketing Officer at Sterling Bank, emphasized the importance of native intelligence in African society. He stated that every society has its unique intelligence, which is shaped by its culture and experiences. Okpako believes that Africans have always had this intelligence in abundance and that it is essential to celebrate and promote it.
Lola Shoneyin, Founder and Director of the Aké Arts and Book Festival, shared her thoughts on the significance of the theme 'Native Intelligence.' She noted that machines can only learn from the data they are fed, and if that data is limited, the machine's understanding will also be limited. Shoneyin emphasized that the festival aims to support and celebrate creativity on the African continent and beyond.
The partnership between Sterling Bank and the Aké Arts and Book Festival reflects a shared commitment to promoting cultural integration and celebrating African creativity. The festival provides a platform for Africans to share their stories, perspectives, and ideas with a wider audience. By supporting the festival, Sterling Bank is investing in the intellectual and cultural future of Africa.
The Aké Arts and Book Festival 2026 will feature conversations, workshops, and exhibitions that showcase African creativity and innovation. The festival's partnership with Sterling Bank will help to amplify the voices of African writers, artists, and thinkers, promoting cultural integration and understanding in a rapidly changing world.
Key points
- Sterling Bank renews partnership with Aké Arts and Book Festival to explore Africa's place in a technology-driven world.
- The festival's theme, 'Native Intelligence,' examines the relationship between traditional African knowledge and artificial intelligence systems.
- The partnership aims to promote cultural integration and celebrate African creativity, providing a platform for African voices to reach wider audiences.
