The seventh edition of the festival is currently taking place in Niger. Beyond the festivities, the event is a living laboratory of continental unity. At the Radisson Blu, which has been transformed into a crossroads of peoples for the occasion, artisans from West and Central Africa are demonstrating the concept of developing a shared identity through cultural and economic exchange, rather than via political discourse.

The atmosphere at the fair could not be more different from the current gloomy global economic climate. Here, cultural sovereignty is a tangible reality, driven by entrepreneurs, who are determined to promote ‘Made in Africa’ products. Magali Cyrila Ndjindjo, a national of the Central African Republic is a prime example of this. Her presence in Niamey embodies the movement of goods and people that the festival aims to encourage.

Returning to one’s roots as a source of identity

For this seventh edition, the Central African Republic’s stand embraces raw authenticity. Although there will be no gastronomy this year, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in traditional crafts and social rituals. Magali is presenting visitors from Niger with a collection of meaningful objects, including straws, ropes, fabrics and ceremonial artefacts.

The centrepieces of her exhibition are horse tails and maracas. These objects serve more than just a decorative function. Magali explains their central role in Central African society: maracas provide the rhythm for religious ceremonies and popular celebrations, while horse tails are an essential accessory for weddings and traditional dances, particularly for women.

This exhibition embodies a spirit of cultural resistance. In the face of Western cultural invasion, the Central African exhibitor is advocating a renewed sense of pride. “We love African culture because it is natural; it is what we grew up with,” she says. The desire to protect and maintain the traditions of one’s ancestors is particularly strong in Niger. This creates an immediate connection between the exhibitor and the local visitors, who share a common bond of loyalty to their origins.

Integration through the economy and the diaspora

African integration is not just about preserving the past. It is also evident in the mobility of skills and cross-border entrepreneurship. Conrad Wegounou is a prime example of this: Originally from Benin, he has lived in Niger for six years. His participation in the festival on behalf of Gina Fashion shows that integration is a daily reality for the many Africans living outside their home countries.

The organisation operates in a variety of sectors, including sewing, hairdressing, accounting, and tax consultancy. For Conrad, the festival is a valuable commercial opportunity. Having attended since 2022, he has observed the event’s evolution closely. His approach to the market reflects a modern Africa that can adapt to outside influences while remaining true to its identity. He offers designs that combine traditional African styles with Western influences, showcasing an unapologetic fusion of cultures.

An expanding pan-African vision

The African festival acts as a barometer of regional cohesion. Conrad Wegounou has noted an encouraging trend of an ever-widening circle of participants. New countries join the adventure every year, strengthening the network of exchanges. The organising committees are now working to export the concept.

Their goals are ambitious: they want to rotate the festival between different countries so that it is no longer solely associated with Niger, but seen as a continent-wide event. “The vision is to unite the people,” emphasises the Beninese entrepreneur. This future itinerancy would foster a stronger sense of belonging to a shared community and break down the geographical barriers inherited from history.

Testimonials gathered on site confirm that integration is taking place among diplomats and market traders alike. By promoting local products such as Central African maracas and facilitating the establishment of transnational businesses like Gina Fashion, the Festival des Africains fulfils its mission of providing a space in which Beninese, Central Africans, and Nigeriens can recognise each other as brothers and sisters.

The event continues to attract a curious audience who have come to celebrate this diversity. The organisers hope that this seventh edition will be a crucial step towards establishing these meetings as an integral part of the institutional landscape, as they are vital for the cultural and economic future of West and Central Africa.