WELCOME TO ACFTA FEST 2027 – GAMBIA
About Us
ACFTA Fest is an African Festival designed to unite the continent through trade, talent, and culture. Rotating each year between African nations, it is the platform where African startups, creatives, athletes, and leaders come together to celebrate Africa, build connections, and create the economic future we all deserve.
ACFTA Fest is Africa’s first true cross-sector Pan-African Festival, blending business, innovation, culture, and sports into one unforgettable experience.
Linked to AfCFTA implementation | Aligned with Agenda 2063 and SDGs | Focused on youth empowerment, trade visibility, and pan-African unity
Platforms for African startups: Live pitch competitions, exhibitions, investor matchmaking, and masterclasses that power the next generation of entrepreneurs.
African Heritage & Culture: Concerts, fashion shows, storytelling nights, and art pavilions celebrating Africa’s identity.
Sports Diplomacy: Football legends, youth clinics, policy talks, and the iconic African Legends Match.
Trade & Connection: Networking lounges, regional showcases, and deal-making opportunities at the ultimate African trade festival.
Our Rotational Model
ACFTA Fest has a rotational model, and every year it travels to a new African country. Each host leaves behind infrastructure, networks, and youth-driven impact.
Festival Host Details
Year: 2027
Host Nation: Gambia
Theme: One Africa, One Market, One Future.
What We Project
Unity, innovation, and inclusion drive our decisions. We prioritise excellence, building a legacy that outlives short-term impact.
Partake in ACFTA Fest
ACFTA Fest is a premier gathering designed to celebrate and accelerate intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area. It brings together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and innovators from across the continent to network, showcase local products, and negotiate cross-border partnerships. By joining, you actively help dismantle economic barriers and drive Africa’s self-reliance, turning the vision of a unified, highly integrated continental marketplace into a thriving everyday reality.
A distinguished lineup of leaders, visionaries, and changemakers.
Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism & the Creative Economy, Nigeria
Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi
Director-General/CEO, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN)
Prof. Madison Ngafeeson
Director, Business Data Analytics | Palm Beach Atlantic University & President, LEADD Missions International
Obi Asika
Director-General/CEO, National Council of Arts & Culture, Nigeria
Hon. Desmond Elliot
Member, Lagos State House of Assembly (Surulere 1)
Frankie Powell
Leadership Strategist & Corporate Culture Coach | Chief Program Officer, LEADD Missions International
Fonda Fred Fonda
Chief Financial Officer for Africa, UBA
Mirabelle Ade Anyu
FCCA Finance Leader
Dr. Ikechi Agbugba
Pioneer, Brain Re-Engineering Initiative; Assoc.Professor, Rivers State University
Dr. Tijjani El-badawy
Water-Energy Security Specialist
Dr Mechie Nkengla
Founder of Data Products, Nuscienta and African Trade Bridge
Mr. Eyong Enoh
Cameroon and Ajax Amsterdam FC Football Legend CEO, 4PBaller
Dr. Ifeoma Betty Ezike
Assistant Director, Monetary Policy Department CBN
Dr. Alara Eric Martial Avom
National Coordinator for PNDCF Cameroon
Arc. Sani Ihtisham Saulawa
President, Nigerian Institute of Architects
Gambia, Africa’s most stable economy and social and economic powerhouse will proudly host ACFTA FEST 2027. With a booming creative industry and a rich culture heritage, Gambia sets the perfect stage for the biggest African festival.
Gambia 2027 Program Snapshot
Investor Lounges and Regional Trade Showcases
Connect in exclusive investor lounges designed for deal-making, networking, and strategic partnerships. Explore regional trade showcases highlighting the best products, services, and innovations from across Africa’s diverse markets driving cross-border collaboration and investment.
50+ Live Pitch Sessions
Experience over 50 electrifying, high-energy pitch sessions where passionate, visionary entrepreneurs boldly unveil their game-changing ideas. These dynamic presentations happen live and in real-time, offering investors and audiences an exciting, up-close look at Africa’s most promising startups competing fiercely, dreaming big, and innovating fearlessly.
Masterclasses on Leadership, Digital Trade, Funding, and Market Expansion
Gain expert insights through in-depth masterclasses led by industry leaders, covering key topics like digital trade, securing funding, and scaling into new markets. Designed for entrepreneurs and professionals, these sessions equip participants with practical tools and strategies to thrive in Africa’s evolving business landscape.
Gambia-focused startup round startup roundtable with ACFTA Stakeholders
A high-level dialogue bringing together African entrepreneurs, policymakers, and ACFTA stakeholders to discuss opportunities, challenges, and strategies for scaling startups within the continental free trade framework fostering alignment, innovation, and inclusive growth.
3-Night Headline Concert Series
Experience electrifying performances from top artists across Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Congo, and Kenya in a powerful celebration of African rhythm, unity, and talent three unforgettable nights of music that echo the soul of the continent.
Visual Art Installations and NFT Gallery
Immerse yourself in a vibrant fusion of tradition and technology with captivating visual art installations and a curated NFT gallery showcasing Africa’s creative brilliance, cultural stories, and digital innovation through the eyes of emerging and established artists.
Gambia Fashion Runway with 20+ Designers
Witness the bold spirit of African style as over 20 visionary designers light up the ACFTA Fest Banjul Fashion Runway blending heritage, innovation, and trendsetting flair in a stunning showcase of the continent’s fashion excellence.
Poetry Performances and Pan-African Storytelling Slams
Experience the power of words as poets and storytellers from across Africa take the stage to share voices of resilience, identity, and unity blending rhythm, language, and lived experience in unforgettable performances that celebrate the soul of the continent.
African Legends vs Gambian All-Star Legends
A historic showdown on the pitch as African football legends face off against Gambian All-Star greats in a thrilling exhibition match celebrating sportsmanship, unity, and the enduring legacy of Africa’s football icons.
Youth Training Clinics for Professional Football Aspirants
Empowering the next generation through hands-on training clinics, where 120-plus Gambian boys and girls will receive mentorship, skills development, and inspiration from seasoned professionals nurturing talent and building confidence on and off the field.
Legends Choice Awards
The African Legends Choice Awards is ACFTA Fest’s way of returning glory, honor, and a lasting platform to the former legends who sacrificed so much to entertain Africa and the world. Through this initiative, our football icons are given the opportunity to have a say, cast their votes, and cheer on the new generation of stars impressing the world with their talent. The awards feature two strands: Performance Awards—including categories such as Eto’o’s Boot (Top Goal Scorer), Ruffai’s Glove (Outstanding Goalkeeper), Jay-Jay’s Touch (Best Playmaker), Drogba’s Ball (Forward of the Year), and Sheatah’s Playbook (Tactical Leader)—and the Legends Recognition Awards, which pay timeless tribute to those whose influence has shaped African football’s story. Together, they unite past and present, building a bridge of pride, encouragement, and celebration across generations.
Policy Forum: “Financing African Football: From Grassroots to Continental League”
A strategic dialogue bringing together policymakers, investors, club owners, and sports stakeholders to explore sustainable financing models for African football examining pathways from grassroots development to the creation of a thriving, competitive continental league.
ACFTA Fest is more than an African Festival; it’s a movement. It transforms policy into people-driven action, building connections that drive trade, empower youth, and showcase Africa’s limitless talent.
If you believe in Africa’s future, you belong at ACFTA Fest, the ultimate platform for African creatives, sports men and women, seasoned entrepreneurs and startups to network collaborate and celebrate the most vibrant African trade festival on the continent.
Join us in Gambia for ACFTA Fest 2027 to celebrate, connect, and build Africa’s future together.
ONE AFRICA, ONE MARKET, ONE FUTURE
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