By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Federal Government says the Afrocentric Cultural Expo 2026 will unlock new jobs and international business partnerships by connecting Nigeria’s creative talents with global opportunities.
The government also expects the initiative to attract investment, boost tourism and create new economic opportunities by showcasing Nigeria’s cultural and creative strengths to audiences, businesses and investors from around the world.
The Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, represented by Jemma Amachree, stated this at a news conference in Abuja, ahead of the Expo, stressing that Nigeria must move beyond treating culture merely as heritage and begin harnessing its enormous creative potential as a driver of sustainable economic growth.
Musawa said the Expo is designed as an inclusive platform where creatives, entrepreneurs, investors and businesses can connect, collaborate and access international markets.
She described the initiative as more than an entertainment event, noting that it is intended to deliver measurable economic outcomes through employment, business partnerships, investment and tourism development.
According to the Minister, the Federal Government is committed to strengthening private-sector participation and building a sustainable creative economy capable of creating opportunities for young Nigerians.
The Expo is expected to provide more than 1,000 exhibition booths and bring together stakeholders across music, fashion, film, food, tourism, culture and business.
Musawa also highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy, saying Nigeria can leverage its cultural influence to deepen relationships with the African diaspora and establish new channels for international collaboration and business.
Speaking at the event, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce-USA, NICOCUSA, and Convener of the Expo, Gregory Uche Ihenacho, said the project is aimed at reconnecting Africans on the continent with people of African descent across the world while converting that connection into economic value.
Ihenacho projected that the Expo could generate between 250 million and 300 million dollars in direct economic impact, but stressed that achieving the target would require strong corporate participation and investment.
He said the initiative addresses a major business gap by creating platforms through which African talent, expertise and capital scattered across the world can flow back into the continent.
Ihenacho said participants are expected from Brazil, the Caribbean, the United States, South America, Europe and Asia, making the Expo a potential bridge between Africa and its global diaspora.
The Afrocentric Cultural Expo 2026 will hold from November 7 to 18 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Complex, Abuja, featuring music, fashion, film, food, cultural performances, heritage awards, intellectual debates, a business summit, health fair and football tournament.
