NiDCOM Partners African Cultural Festival to Deepen Diaspora Engagement
(L-R) Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, Chairman/CEO NIDCOM, Mr Raynald Leconte, Filmmaker and Producer, Chief Dr Nike Okundaye, Founder/CEO Nike Art Gallery
(L-R) Chief (Mrs) Nike Okundaye , Founder/CEO Nike Art Gallery, Prof Wole Soyinka, 1986 Nobel Laureate in Literature, Mr Raynald Leconte, Filmmaker and Producer
Abuja, Nigeria – August 13, 2025 — The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) is partnering with the African Cultural Festival (ACF2025) to host the African Diaspora Summit, advancing Nigeria’s creative economy and deepening engagement with the diaspora. The event will take place on September 20, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA, with support from the Government of Pennsylvania and the Dauphin County Commissioners. Designed by ACI Entertainment (with operations in Nigeria and the USA), the festival aims to elevate Nigeria’s creative industries globally.
From September 19 to 21, 2025, ACF2025 will bring together African and Diaspora leaders, U.S. legislators, global creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural powerhouses. They will celebrate and commercialise the spirit of Africa under the theme: “Africa to the World: Culture, Creativity, and Collaboration.” The African Diaspora Summit: Africa Arise will bring together global leaders, innovators, creatives, investors, and changemakers from the United States, Nigeria, Africa, and the Diaspora for a high-level, immersive experience.
As the signature event on Day 2 of the festival, the summit will blend film, art, music, fashion, and storytelling to create a unique experience. This event aims to champion Africa’s creative economy, advance its global influence, and strengthen connections between the Diaspora and the continent. This year’s edition will highlight transformative African leadership and cultural diplomacy.
Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon.Abike Dabiri-Erewa, describes the summit as a platform to harness Diaspora expertise, promote youth and women empowerment, and advance Africa’s creative economy as a driver of innovation and stronger global ties.
Highlights of the three-day festival (September 19–21) will include cultural showcases, youth leadership forums, business networking, and the celebration of African creativity across fashion, art, music, film, technology, and cuisine.
NiDCOM will also present Nigeria’s vibrant creative sector, forging strategic partnerships that align with the nation’s economic and cultural development goals.
The African Cultural Festival was officially unveiled on March 26, 2025, at the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg. Esteemed dignitaries attended, including Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka and Art Icon Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye, alongside U.S. legislators and global change agents. Both Nigerian icons were honoured at the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania Senate during the unveiling ceremony.
Signature festival platforms will include the ACF Marketplace, African Diaspora Summit, NextGen Connect—Youth Leadership Forum, Africa Steeze on the Runway, The Duduplugs Voyage to Nigeria, and Africa Carnival. The festival will feature vibrant displays of fashion, art, food, and enterprise, along with immersive cultural experiences. It will celebrate all nine Duduplugs: fashion, music, art, tech, film, dance, literature, food, and home. Robust youth engagement, heritage storytelling, business networking, and dazzling performances will help position Pennsylvania as a new frontier for Africa’s global expansion. Join us at this landmark event and become part of a dynamic community shaping Africa's future—register today and make your mark!
The Diaspora Summit will deliver an electrifying lineup of powerful keynotes from visionary leaders. Thought-provoking panels will discuss reconnecting to African roots and diaspora investment. The event will also feature a captivating journey through The Story of Africa: A Movement in Motion. Fireside chats with industry trailblazers, The Pitch: From America to Africa, and cultural fusion performances will unite music, fashion, literature, and tech.
Join us in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and be a part of the African Cultural Festival experience. Celebrate, connect, and collaborate with innovators, leaders, and creatives shaping Africa's future. Register today to participate, support, and champion the creative economy and diaspora engagement.