Addis Ababa: The East Africa Art and Cultural Festival is playing a pivotal role in fostering unity and strengthening people-to-people ties among communities of East African countries, according to delegation members of the festival.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the five-day festival, held from March 20 to 24, 2025, in Addis Ababa, featured performances of traditional music, dances, and unique artistic expressions from East African countries. Ethiopian Culture and Sport State Minister Nafisa Al-Mahadi highlighted the festival’s significance as a tool for promoting cultural exchanges and unity among East African communities.
The festival successfully met its objectives of cultural and trade integration among East African nations, with cultural delegations showcasing their arts. Nafisa Al-Mahadi emphasized that art serves as a powerful instrument for interaction, enhancing cohesion and fraternity at both national and regional levels.
Nantaba Esther from the Ugandan cultural delegation expressed her admiration for Ethiopia’s hospitality and cultures, noting the festival’s role in providing opportunities to experience previously unknown cultures. She pointed out that such festivals are educational and crucial for fostering unity, peace, and cultural exchanges.
Thomas Aban, a member of the South Sudanese cultural delegation, shared his enjoyment of the festival and underscored the importance of cultural exchange in fostering unity among East African communities. He noted the opportunity to showcase cultures from countries like South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya.
Elias Thomas, from the Tanzanian cultural delegation, highlighted the festival’s role in connecting Africa, particularly for those presenting artifacts, pictures, and handicrafts. He described the event as a significant market opportunity, with participants receiving orders from countries like Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, and Djibouti.