Africa Day 2026 Festival Puts Culture at the Centre of Economic Development

Culture and heritage can serve as powerful tools for tourism promotion, economic development and stronger international partnerships, speakers at the Africa Day 2026 Cultural Hangout Festival have said. The festival, held at the Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre, brought together speakers, artists, entrepreneurs and community stakeholders from Africa and the United Kingdom to explore the role of culture in community development, tourism and cross-border collaboration.

Organised by Aihawu Victor, Founder and CEO of the Cultural Hangout Festival, the event provided a platform for discussions on how cultural assets can be leveraged to drive destination promotion and create economic opportunities for communities across the continent and its diaspora.

Culture Is More Than Celebration

We often celebrate culture through food, fashion, and entertainment, but culture is also a powerful tool for education, tourism, business, and community development.

— Aihawu Victor, Founder and CEO, Cultural Hangout Festival

Badagry's Heritage Held Up as a Model for Tourism-Led Growth

A major highlight of the festival was a panel discussion featuring speakers from Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Representing Badagry Local Government in Lagos State, Council Manager Ms Avoseh-Akwe Senami Oluwakemi delivered a presentation on "Tourism as a Tool for Local Economic Development." Drawing from Badagry's historical significance and rich cultural heritage, she explained how communities can unlock economic opportunities through the preservation and promotion of heritage sites, noting that sustainable tourism development can stimulate local economies, attract investment and create employment when properly managed.

Africa–UK Cultural Partnerships: A Case for Deeper Cooperation

Also speaking at the event, Careen Joseph examined opportunities for collaboration between African and UK destinations, highlighting the benefits of cultural partnerships, tourism exchanges and joint initiatives. She argued that stronger cooperation between destinations on both continents can foster deeper cultural understanding while generating new economic and social development opportunities.

Victor, in a separate presentation titled "The Role of Culture and Heritage in Destination Promotion," urged participants to view cultural heritage not merely as a reflection of the past but as a living resource capable of driving education, tourism and enterprise.

Live Performances, Exhibitions and Community Energy

Beyond the discussion sessions, participants were treated to live music, drumming performances, instrumental displays and cultural showcases reflecting the diversity and creativity of the African continent. Creative entrepreneurs and businesses exhibited their products and services, encouraging conversations around innovation, enterprise and cultural exchange. Many attendees described the gathering as more than a celebration, saying it offered opportunities to reconnect with their roots, forge new relationships and explore ideas for future collaborations.

Optimism as Festival Closes, Plans Confirmed to Continue

The festival received support from partners including CareersBar, Reftop Homes Ltd and the Centre for Youths Integrated Development (CYID). As the event concluded, participants expressed optimism about the future of cultural collaboration between Africa and the United Kingdom. Organisers confirmed the Cultural Hangout Festival would continue to serve as a platform connecting culture with education, tourism, enterprise and community development.