The festival starts with a vibrant Opening Ceremony featuring awe-inspiring cultural performances, keynote addresses from visionary leaders, and the much-anticipated launch of Duduplugs Voyage. This day sets the tone for celebrating Africa's brilliance—its culture, creativity, and innovation. AFRICA ARISE follows as a soul-stirring storytelling experience of a continent in motion, spotlighting the intersection of culture, innovation, and trade to shape the future of the African creative economy.

Throughout the day, visitors will savour the Taste of Africa with an explosion of flavours from across the continent through curated food trucks and culinary pop-ups. The Marketplace will be a buzzing hub for trade and networking, while the African I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y. Art Exhibition offers powerful storytelling on canvas. The evening culminates in the thrilling Opening Concert – Runway Rhythms, a sensational showdown of African fashion, dance, and music, celebrating the continent's finest talents and global cultural impact.

• Opening Ceremony: The Rising of Africa’s Spirit – Grand kickoff with cultural performances, keynote addresses, and the official launch of Duduplugs Voyage (noon, Indoor)

• AFRICA ARISE - Storytelling – The Story of a Continent in Motion – A Showcase of African music, fashion, food, film, and dance, featuring the Nine Plugs of African Identity. Shaping the Future of Innovation & Trade – Panel discussion with entrepreneurs, investors, and tech pioneers shaping Africa’s economic landscape. Networking Session (1:00 PM, Indoor)

• Taste of Africa: The Ultimate Food & Culture Experience – Live culinary journey featuring top chefs and traditional cuisine tasting (All day, Outdoor, with branded food trucks)

• The Marketplace: Africa Meets Pennsylvania – A dynamic hub for trade, networking, and investment between African entrepreneurs and Pennsylvania businesses (All day, Outdoor)

• Duduplugs Art Exhibition: A Living Canvas of Africa – Showcasing African art, artifacts, and digital innovations (All day, Indoor/Outdoor)

• Opening Concert:
  • African Fashion & Dance Live Championship – Fashion showdown and dance battle merging Africa’s creative energy with Pennsylvania’s urban culture (7:00 PM, Indoor – Intro to concert)

  • Concert begins – High-energy performances celebrating African excellence (Following the championship, Indoor/Outdoor)