Providus Bank, Lagos State, and Partners Kickstart Countdown to Landmark African Cultural Festival in the U.S.
Lagos, Nigeria – The countdown is officially on for the African Cultural Festival (ACF2025), a landmark global celebration of Africa’s creativity, culture, and diaspora engagement, taking place from September 19–21, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA.
At a press briefing hosted on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at Providus Bank in Lekki, Lagos, Providus Bank and the Lagos State Government reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Nigeria’s creative economy and strengthening diaspora connections. This marks the start of a series of countdown activities leading up to the festival in the United States.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Oluwatoyin Adepoju, Head of Diaspora Banking at Providus Bank, said:
Providus Bank is proud to support a festival that connects African talent with global opportunities while fostering youth entrepreneurship and diaspora investment. We are committed to championing creative enterprises and strengthening the ties between Nigeria’s creative sector and the diaspora.”
Supported by the Government of Pennsylvania through the Dauphin County Commissioners, ACF2025 is promoted by ACI Entertainment in Lagos and the U.S. Themed “Africa to the World: Culture, Creativity and Collaboration,” the festival is set to reconnect Africa with its diaspora, ignite collaboration, and spark economic transformation.
From visionary diaspora summits to vibrant marketplaces, fashion runways, cultural carnivals, and the electrifying “Rhythms of Africa” concert led by legendary artist 2Baba, the three-day festival promises to deliver culture and commerce on a global stage.
Lagos State, Africa’s creative powerhouse, will lead a special delegation of artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators showcasing the city’s unmatched energy and global relevance through music, cuisine, tech, fashion, and the arts.
Mr. Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts, Culture, and Tourism, highlighted the significance of Lagos’ participation:
“As the heartbeat of Africa’s creative economy, Lagos is proud to champion our cultural wealth and innovation on the world stage. Beyond celebration, this festival creates real pathways for economic growth—opening doors for tourism investment, global partnerships, and opportunities that will strengthen Lagos’ position as West Africa’s cultural and economic hub.”
Reflecting on the global unveiling of the festival, ACF2025 Festival Director, Foluke Michael, recalled its official launch earlier this year:
“On March 26, ACF2025 was unveiled at the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg with Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka and art icon Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye, both honoured at the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate. That moment confirmed the festival’s international importance. ACF2025 is more than a festival—it is a celebration, an investment, and a legacy for Africa and its diaspora.”
Also speaking on behalf of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Mr. Dipo Odebowale, Head of Liaison Office, stressed the role of diaspora engagement:
“NiDCOM is excited to join forces with stakeholders to shape Nigeria’s narrative globally. ACF2025 provides a unique platform to showcase the brilliance of Nigerians at home and abroad while creating stronger cultural and economic ties with our diaspora.”
The festival will spotlight nine cultural pillars—fashion, music, art, technology, film, dance, literature, food, and home—through immersive experiences such as Duduplugs’ Voyage to Africa.
With more than 10,000 expected attendees, global media coverage, and the support of leading partners, ACF2025 is set to position Pennsylvania as the new frontier for Africa’s global expansion.