ECOFEST
History
The West African Festival of Arts and Culture is aimed at celebrating the rich diversity of West African arts and culture, by showcasing our heritage through music, dance, art and cuisine. ECOFEST was created following the adoption of the Cultural Framework Agreement by the Heads of State and Government in 1987. Since then, there has been several unsuccessful attempts to organize the regional event. ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions have joined forces to co-organize the first edition of the West African Festival of Arts and Culture. After several technical workshops involving experts and professionals since 2018, the Government of Côte d'Ivoire kindly agreed to host this maiden edition of the regional event in September 2024.
Theme
The theme for the maiden West African festival of arts and culture is "Culture: A Catalyst for Peace, Diversity, Economic and Social Integration in West Africa." This festival honors the region's vibrant cultural traditions and promotes cross-cultural exchange and understanding, with the aim of promoting integration, social cohesion, peace, and socio-economic and cultural development." It aims to develop a regional market of cultural goods and services.
In a region rich in heritage and creativity, culture could unite, inspire, and transform. Through music, visual and performing arts, dance, we celebrate our differences and find common ground. We honor the traditions that make us unique, while embracing the diversity that makes us strong, in this modern context.
ECOFEST is a vibrant celebration of West African culture, bringing together artists, performers, and communities from across the region. Join us for a journey of discovery, connection, and joy, as we harness the power of culture to build a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous West Africa for all.
ECOWAS
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was established on the 28th of May 1974 with a signed in the Lagos Nigeria by 15 West African leaders from Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Togo.
The mission of ECOWAS is to promote cooperation and integration, leading to the establishment of an economic union in West Africa to raise the living standards of its peoples, and to maintain and enhance economic stability, fostering relations-among Member States and contributing to the progress and development of the African continent.
UEMOA
The Union Économique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine (UEMOA) was established on January 10, 1994, in Dakar, Senegal. It is a sub-regional institution comprising eight coastal and Sahelian states: The member countries of the UEMOA are Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.
Among other things, they share a common currency, the Franc de la Communauté Financière Africaine (FCFA), under the authority of the Banque Centrale des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (BCEAO).
The primary objective of UEMOA is to establish a unified and integrated economic zone in West Africa, where there is complete freedom of movement for people, capital, goods, services, and production factors. This includes the right of professionals to practice their trades and reside anywhere within the Community.
