The five-day event is taking place at the Addis Ababa International Convention Center, under the theme “Art and Culture for Regional Integration,” and features representatives from Rwanda, Burundi, Djibouti, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and the host nation.

Ethiopian Culture and Sports State Minister Nafisa Al-Mahdi said the festival is an important tool for promoting cultural exchanges in communities of East African countries.

Al-Mahdi affirmed that it has achieved its predefined objectives of cultural and trade integration among East African countries, as she highlighted performances by several cultural delegations.

The state minister underscored that “Art is a powerful instrument to promote interaction among nations. In this respect, this festival plays a crucial role in strengthening cohesion and fraternity both at the national and regional levels.”

Nantaba Esther, a member of the Ugandan delegation, in turn, told the Ethiopia News Agency that she was captivated by Ethiopia’s hospitality and cultures, noting that the festival provided her an opportunity to experience cultures she did not know before.

The East African Arts and Culture Festival features a wide variety of activities, such as conferences, symposiums, cultural and art exhibitions, circus performances, traditional cuisine, fashion shows, music, films, theater, and book fairs.

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