Sénégal

Message from Monsieur Amadou BA

Minister of Culture, Crafts and Tourism of the Republic of Senegal

True to its tradition as a country of culture and Teranga (hospitality), Senegal will be, from November 30 to December 6, 2025, the cultural and artistic heart of the member states of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The West African region stands out for its incredible diversity of cultures, from the depth of cultural traditions to modern artistic expressions. This diversity is our greatest asset; it allows us to build more inclusive societies, promote intercultural dialogue, and fight against uniformization.

The theme chosen for this first edition in Dakar, "Political transformations and crises in West Africa: What can culture do?", fits perfectly within the political vision of His Excellency Mr. Bassirou Diomaye FAYE, President of the Republic of Senegal, and his Prime Minister, Head of Government, Mr. Ousmane SONKO.

Participants, including specialists and experts from the world of the arts, will reflect and debate on the festival's general theme — a timely subject that promises in-depth discussions on this important question of the place of culture in public policy in the search for peace and crisis resolution.

Indeed, the two regional community institutions, UEMOA and ECOWAS, chose our beautiful country — a land of peace, stability, and legendary hospitality — to host the West African Festival of Arts and Culture (ECOFEST), notably because of its dynamic contemporary artistic scene and its cosmopolitan identity.

In a world marked by multifaceted crises, culture must be a factor of unity, peace, and social cohesion among the different peoples of the community area.

This is the full meaning to be given to the decision of the Heads of State and Government of UEMOA and ECOWAS to organize ECOFEST, a major cultural event to showcase and highlight the diversity and richness of the heritage of the peoples of this part of the continent. This tangible and intangible heritage will thus be celebrated and honored through dance and music performances, art exhibitions, an innovation showcase, and a crafts fair at several sites in Dakar, including the Grand Théâtre national Doudou Ndiaye Rose, the Museum of Black Civilizations, the Place du Souvenir africain, and the Blaise Senghor Regional Cultural Center of Dakar.

Together, let us make this festival a major cultural crossroads, a platform for intercultural dialogue and multifaceted exchange that will offer an international showcase for West African artistic talent while stimulating the development of our cultural enterprises as well as our cultural and creative industries.

Dakar is ready to welcome all festival-goers in the purest Senegalese tradition and wishes all participants an excellent stay.

Long live West African cultural cooperation!
Long live UEMOA!
Long live ECOWAS!
Long live Senegal!