The first edition of ECOFEST, a West African arts and culture festival, will take place in Dakar from November 30 to December 6, 2025. The announcement was made at a press conference on November 20, 2025, at the Museum of Black Civilisations in Dakar. The event is jointly organized by the ECOWAS Commission, the UEMOA Commission, and the Republic of Senegal.
Senegal’s Minister of Culture, Crafts and Tourism, Amadou BA, presented updates on preparations for the festival alongside Secretary of State for Historical Heritage and Cultural and Creative Industries Bakary SARR and ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr.
Minister Amadou BA stated that Senegal is hosting ECOFEST “with responsibility and humility,” adding that “creativity and cultural industries are a real driver of growth, dialogue and regional integration.”
ECOFEST is intended as a multidisciplinary platform to showcase West Africa’s artistic, cultural, and culinary heritage. This year’s theme focuses on socio-political changes and crises in West Africa as well as the role of culture in promoting peace, cohesion, and coexistence. Activities planned include exhibitions, performances, professional meetings, artistic residencies, and forums for discussion.
Bakary SARR highlighted the festival’s symbolic significance: “integration, social cohesion and cultural development are at the heart of the values upheld by ECOWAS and UEMOA.” Minister Amadou BA also commended those involved in organizing the event: “Dakar is ready to welcome the delegations, artists and audiences expected for this first edition.”