ADDIS ABABA-
As anticipation builds for Africa Celebrates 2025, organizers have announced that the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will deliver the keynote address at the event’s grand opening ceremony.
This year’s edition of Africa Celebrates will bring together leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and creatives from across the continent and the diaspora to promote unity through culture, innovation, and trade. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s participation underscores the event’s global significance and its commitment to advancing Africa’s integration into the world economy.
In her remarks about Africa Celebrates, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala commended the vision behind the initiative, saying:
“Celebrating Africa’s cultural heritage and diversity while promoting economic, social, and political integration is commendable. At the WTO, we are advocating for re-globalization, a move towards decentralized and diversified supply chains that foster inclusion for economies left behind during the first wave of globalization. Many African countries are part of this.”
Beyond her keynote, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala will also be honored with the “Role Model for African Women” Award at the prestigious Gala Fashion and Awards Night. She becomes the second distinguished African woman to receive this recognition, following Dr. Joyce Hilda Banda, former President of Malawi.
Mr. Lexy Mojo-Eyes, the Founder of Africa Celebrates speaking while honouring Her Excellency, Dr. Joyce Hilda Banda, the former President of Malawi and first recipient of “Role Model for African Women” Award in Addis Ababa
The major objective of Africa Celebrates is to promote Africa’s unity in diversity, while driving economic, social, and regional integration through the celebration of the continent’s rich art, culture, heritage, trade, investment, and technology. The event will also explore how intra-African collaboration can serve as a catalyst for achieving a truly prosperous and equitable Africa.
Packaged and organized by Legendary Gold Limited and its Ethiopian event partner Afronova, the 2025 edition is being staged in collaboration with the African Union Commission, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the Embassies of Nigeria, Burundi, and Côte d’Ivoire in Ethiopia. The event also enjoys the support of the US and EU Missions to the African Union, as well as the Ethiopian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism.
Official partners include Ethiopian Airlines (Official Airline), Skylight Hotel (Official Hotel), DCT Entertainment, Owl City Events, Business Room, Kana TV, Oceanwave Group, and PG Records.
Africa Celebrates is scheduled for 4 – 9 November 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
For partnership and participation details, visit www.africacelebrates.com.
