The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), in collaboration with the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, have inaugurated the inaugural West African Festival of Arts and Culture (ECOFEST) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The first edition of ECOFEST is scheduled to take place from September 21 to 28, 2024, in Abidjan, under the theme: “Culture, a catalyst for peace, diversity, and economic and social integration in West Africa.”
According to a statement released by ECOWAS on May 12, 2024, this cultural event aims to showcase the values and cultural identities of the ECOWAS community, fostering regional integration by blending the region’s diverse populations.
The festival seeks to inaugurate a new era in celebrating West African cultural diversity and reaffirm the pivotal role of culture in integration, social cohesion, and the socio-economic and cultural development of West Africa.
The launch of the 2024 edition was officiated by Mrs. Françoise Remarck, Minister of Culture and Francophonie, representing Prime Minister Robert Beugre Mambe of Cote d’Ivoire. The event was attended by dignitaries including Mrs. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Professor Fatou SOW SARR, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, and Mr. Mamadu Serifo Jaquite, WAEMU Commissioner for Human Development.
The choice of Abidjan as the host city for the first ECOFEST edition is deemed appropriate by the WAEMU Commissioner, as it was the city originally selected by the festival’s initiators.
The initiative to organize ECOFEST dates back to the ECOWAS UEMOA technical secretariat meeting held on June 4, 2018, in Abuja, where it was decided to collaborate on the project.
In her address on behalf of Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Madam Damtien L. Tchintchibidja expressed gratitude to President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire and the Ivorian authorities for hosting the inaugural edition of ECOFEST. She emphasized the event’s significance for promoting cultural wealth and regional integration in West Africa.
Minister Françoise Remarck, launching the event on behalf of Prime Minister Robert Beugre Mambe of Côte d’Ivoire, highlighted the President’s commitment to initiatives that enhance regional integration. She expressed pride in welcoming talents from across West Africa, underscoring the festival’s celebration of artistic diversity and cultural heritage.
ECOFEST, bringing together the 15 ECOWAS Member States, including the eight from UEMOA, will serve as a platform to engage public authorities and stakeholders in the cultural sector to promote West African cultural heritage.
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