Official launch of inaugural West African Festival of Arts and Culture

The inaugural West African Festival of Arts and Culture (ECOFEST 2024) was officially launched on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. The event is organized by the Commissions of 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. The first edition of ECOFEST will 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”.

The festival aims to promote regional integration by celebrating the cultural identities and values of the community's peoples. It also seeks to highlight culture as a driver for integration, social cohesion, and socio-economic development in West Africa.

H.E. Mrs Françoise REMARCK, Minister of Culture and Francophonie, representing H.E. Robert Beugre MAMBE, Prime Minister of Cote d’Ivoire, officially launched the festival. Other notable attendees included H.E. 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.

According to Mr JAQUITE, Abidjan was chosen as the host city because it was originally selected by the festival's initiators. He revealed that plans for ECOFEST have been on ECOWAS's agenda since 1987.

Speaking on behalf of H.E. Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Madame Damtien L. TCHINTCHIBIDJA expressed gratitude to His Excellency Alassane OUATTARA, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and the Ivorian authorities for agreeing to host ECOFEST. She emphasized the festival's significance in fostering unity and wealth creation through creative industries.

Minister Françoise REMARCK, launching the event on behalf of H.E. Robert Beugre MAMBE, Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, highlighted that hosting ECOFEST aligns with the country's commitment to initiatives that bolster regional integration. She also underscored the pride that the people of Côte d’Ivoire feel in welcoming talents from various countries with which they share values of peace, social cohesion, and tolerance.

ECOFEST will bring together all 15 ECOWAS Member States, including eight from UEMOA. The festival aims to engage public authorities and both public and private players in the cultural sector in promoting West Africa's cultural richness.