About the Festival Journey
ACFTA FEST is designed as a rotating Pan-African platform. Each year, one African country becomes the epicenter of trade, talent, and transformation hosting the continent and the world in a three-day celebration of African excellence.
Each edition is unique, but all editions leave a shared legacy: job creation, youth empowerment, investor linkages, and cultural memory.
Participants
Our Model
How the Rotational Model Works
Long-Term Calendar
| Year | Host Country | Status |
| 2026 | Nigeria (Maiden Edition) | Confirmed |
| 2027 | TBD | Open for Bidding |
| 2028 | TBD | Open for Bidding |
ACFTA FEST NIGERIA 2026
Dates: March 2026
Theme: Unity Through Innovation
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Host Partner: Federal Republic of Nigeria (via designated Ministry or Agency)
Expected Turnout: 10,000+ in-person | 50M+ digital & TV reach
Main Arena: The Tinubu Conference Center, Abiola International Stadium,
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.
300+ Startup Exhibitors
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.
50+ Live Pitch Sessions
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.
Masterclasses on Leadership, Digital Trade, Funding, and Market Expansion
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.
Nigeria-Focused Startup Roundtable with ACFTA Stakeholders
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.
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.
Lagos Fashion Runway with 20+ Designers
Witness the bold spirit of African style as over 20 visionary designers light up the ACFTA Fest Abuja 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.
The Tinubu Cup: African Legends vs. Nigerian All-Star Legends
A historic showdown on the pitch as African football legends face off against Nigerian 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 Nigerian 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.
Buy ACFTA Fest 2026 Tickets
Our Model
Featured Experiences
| Festival Cultural Parade | Traditional dances, masquerades, and pageants representing Nigeria’s 6 geo-political zones |
| Taste of Africa Food Court | Nigerian jollof vs Ghanaian jollof showdown, and a culinary showcase of regional street food |
| AfrexTalks Live | Fireside chat with Africa’s youngest billionaires and most dynamic founders |
| Creative & Trade Exhibitions | From bamboo bikes to smart textiles — showcasing Africa’s next big exports |
Institutional Engagements
- Official opening by Government of Nigeria
- Participation of AfCFTA Secretariat, AU Commission, ECOWAS
- MoUs signed between trade bodies & private sector platforms
- Media partnerships with Channels TV, NTA, AfricaNews, Trace, BBC Africa
- Delegations from over 50 countries
CSR & Legacy Projects in Nigeria
- One youth football pitch refurbished in Nigeria
- Post-event Startup Incubation Hub sponsored by festival partners
- Artist Residency Fund to support local creatives
- Scholarships for 50 female entrepreneurs
- “AfCFTA in Schools” civic education pilot launched in 5 states
Tickets & Access
- General Admission
- VIP Access + AfrexTalks & Networking Receptions
- Football Gala Match Tickets
- Student Discounts
- Available via Paystack, Flutterwave, Mobile Money
Why ACFTA FEST?
We are proud to already be building these milestones as we prepare for our maiden edition.
Startups, SMEs, and Creatives targeted for showcase opportunities
African & Diaspora countries actively represented in programming and partnerships
Projected attendees (in-person & virtual) for the maiden edition
Strategic business, media, and policy partnerships engaged
Recognition awards for African legends and changemakers
Estimated broadcast & social media reach across Africa and the Diaspora
Frequently Asked Questions
Got any questions? we’re here to help
Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our inaugural festival in Abuja, Nigeria, in March 2026.
ACFTA Fest is a landmark three-day festival in Abuja, Nigeria, designed to be a vibrant celebration of African unity, culture, and progress. It is a one-of-a-kind event built on three core pillars: Heritage Waves (celebrating culture and art), Startup Flames (igniting entrepreneurship), and African Legends United (honoring football icons). Our mission is to foster connections, inspire the next generation, and showcase the best of the continent’s talent and potential.
ACFTA Fest will be held in Abuja, Nigeria, in March 2026. Specific dates and venues for each of the festival’s pillars will be announced soon on our official website and social media channels. We recommend you sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates directly.
Heritage Waves is a journey through Africa’s rich cultural landscape. You can expect a captivating blend of experiences, including:
Concerts: Featuring a diverse lineup of popular and emerging artists from across the continent.
Fashion Show: Showcasing the innovation and creativity of top African designers.
African Story Nights: A series of intimate sessions where celebrated storytellers, poets, and writers share narratives that shape our identity.
Cultural Exhibitions: Displays of traditional art, crafts, and food.
Startup Flames is the entrepreneurship and innovation hub of ACFTA Fest. This pillar is dedicated to empowering the next generation of African business leaders. It will feature a dynamic program including:
Pitch Competitions: Startups will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of investors and venture capitalists.
Entrepreneurship Workshops: Led by industry experts, these sessions will provide invaluable insights and practical skills.
Networking Sessions: Facilitating connections between budding entrepreneurs, established business owners, and potential investors.
African Legends United is a tribute to the icons who have made a lasting impact on African football. This pillar will culminate in a celebratory football match featuring legendary players from different African nations. The event aims to inspire young football enthusiasts, celebrate the continent’s rich sporting history, and raise funds for grassroots football development programs.