Culture and Tourism

Nigeria set to hold Arts and Culture Festival in Belgium

Published

3 years ago

August 15, 2023

The Embassy of Nigeria in Belgium has disclosed that it has perfected plans to hold the Nigerian Arts and Culture Festival in Antwerp, Belgium next month.

The festival, which is designed to promote Nigeria’s culture and boost the tourism industry in Belgium, would hold in collaboration with Nigerian community/associations in Belgium, and Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).

A statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, quoted the Nigerian Ambassador to Belgium, Mr. Obinna Chiedu Onowu, saying that the festival with the theme: “Unity 2023” will feature arts and culture exhibitions, Nigerian dance, music, foods, and movies among others.

Onowu disclosed that officials of the European Union, Belgian, Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States, as well as other friends of Nigeria will grace the event that will be held at the Antwerp Cricket Center on the second of next month adding that event is free for the public.

” The cultural event will introduce Nigeria, its diverse culture, arts, and music to Belgian, African, Caribbean, and other communities in Antwerp. It also serves as a unifying factor, bringing together, all Nigerian associations to celebrate those cultural values that unite the people of Nigeria, hence the theme “Unity 2023”.

He said Nigeria remains the most culturally diverse nation in Africa, and rich in songs, dance, drama, costumes, art and craft products adding “Many Nigerians have distinguished themselves in the areas of music. Film, art and crafts and have put the country on the global map”

Onowu also explained that the present administration in Nigeria is committed to the diversification of the economy and the development of the tourism sector.

It will be recalled that in June this year, the Embassy of Nigeria in Belgium in conjunction with Belgium Luxembourg Nigeria Chamber of Commerce (BLNCC), Afrinex, and A-Law organized the Nigeria -Belgium- Luxembourg Business Forum which attracted over 200 businesses in Europe and Nigeria.

The event brought together key industry players and government officials and focused on agric-business, renewable energy, health, construction/ infrastructure, financial services, and other sectors of the economy

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Creative Industry

CAFA Targets $500bn Fashion Economy At Canex Wknd 2026

Published

6 days ago

November 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Confederation of African Fashion (CAFA) will present its roadmap to grow Africa’s fashion economy from an estimated $30 billion to $500 billion at CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos.

Marking its first anniversary on November 5, CAFA will unveil a joint stand with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly the National Arts Theatre, on November 5, 2026.

CAFA President, Aare (Prof.) Lai Labode, said the institution works with African governments to align sourcing, production, trade and intellectual property policies, ensuring African creativity generates greater value for African businesses and communities.

Nigeria became the first country to sign the African Fashion Industry Growth Charter on November 5, 2025, when the Honourable Minister Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa signed on behalf of the Federal Government.

Speaking ahead of the unveiling, Minister Musawa said: “Afroliganza seeks to build a structured, values-driven fashion economy rooted in African heritage, led by African institutions, and positioned for global impact.”

On employment potential, the minister emphasized that Investment in fashion will create millions of jobs, particularly for women and youth.

Registered in Rwanda, with an office in Kigali and a desk at the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, CAFA is also working with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs towards African Union adoption of the Charter. Rwanda is progressing towards becoming its second participating country and the first in East Africa.

Its first year saw fifty nations gather at the Egbaliganza-Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta and a signed MoU with Türkiye’s ASRIAD.

CAFA’s programmes promote processing African raw materials into finished apparel locally. ‘Own What We Create’ addresses intellectual property protection, while the CAFA Certified Seal and CAFA Heritage Mark support standards and authenticity. African Global Fashion Houses are currently being established across international markets.

The African Global Fashion Games will debut in Nigeria in 2028, bringing designers together under national colours. Held every three years, the Games will alternate between African and international hosts, combining competition with investor meetings, deal signings and policy discussions. Its Instant Craft event gives competing nations identical materials and a fixed clock, placing skill at the centre of the contest.

CAFA is inviting creatives, fashion designers, artisans, diplomats, economists, investors and policymakers to its CANEX stand. Visitors can explore the roadmap, ask questions and identify opportunities to contribute through design, manufacturing, investment, research, trade and international partnerships. The stand will be open daily from November 5 to 8.

CAFA calls on the African Union to adopt the Charter, and governments to sign the Games Register and form national teams.

“Fashion has always told the world who Africa is. Now Africa will decide what fashion pays,” Aare Prof. Lai Labode said.

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