The East Africa Arts & Cultural Festival Underway in Ethiopia’s Capital

Addis Ababa, March 20, 2025 (FMC) — A five-day East Africa Art and Culture Festival began today at the newly inaugurated Addis International Convention Centre (AICC) in Addis Ababa, under the theme “Art and Culture for Regional Integration.”

Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh along with other high-level government officials presided over the opening ceremony of this art and cultural festival.

The event aimed at fostering collaboration and unity among East African nations through arts and culture.

More importantly, the festival has brought together cultural groups from Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, Djibouti, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya, showcasing the region’s diverse traditions and artistic heritage.

It is also anticipated to showcase the rich cultural diversity and artistic heritage of East African nations while fostering regional unity and cooperation.

In his keynote address to the event, the Deputy PM emphasized art’s power to unite nations. Art is not just entertainment; it’s a bridge between countries, according to him.

The Deputy Premier further stressed that shared cultural values and traditions across Africa foster integration and harmony, transcending borders for a common future, local newswire service ENA reported.

Running from March 20 to March 24, 2025, the festival features 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.