The Commissioner of Human Development Department, UEMOA, Mr. Mamadú Serifo JAQUITÉ, has stated in Dakar that the West African Festival of Arts and Culture (ECOFEST) aims to position culture as a critical lever for economic, social, and peace development in the region.
Co-organized by the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) and West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), in partnership with the Republic of Senegal, the Festival was officially opened on November 30, under the theme of fraternity and solidarity.
UEMOA Reaffirms its Cultural Commitment.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the UEMOA Commission, Mr. Abdoulaye DIOP, the Commissioner warmly welcomed participants and recalled the seven-year commitment to jointly organize this flagship event.
“This initiative seeks to revitalize our rich heritage, presenting it authentically as a response to current global and regional challenges, particularly our Culture,” he emphasized.
Commissioner JAQUITÉ expressed gratitude to Senegal, a symbol of Téranga, for its renowned hospitality, extending thanks to His Excellency Mr. Bassirou Diomaye FAYE,
President of Senegal, Mr. Ousmane SONKO, Prime Minister, whose presence at the opening ceremony reflects high-level support for the cultural sector.
Dakar: A Historic City of Culture
Hosting ECOFEST in Dakar pays tribute to the continent’s cultural legacy.
The UEMOA Commissioner recalled Senegal as the birth place the first World Festival of Negro Arts was held in 1966, under the leadership of President Léopold Sédar Senghor, a landmark event that greatly contributed to the global visibility and influence of African culture.
Culture as an Economic Driver within IMPACT 2030.
UEMOA reaffirmed unwavering support for cultural stakeholders, situating ECOFEST within the framework of the Common Cultural Development Policy (2013) and the UEMOA Cultural Development Program (2014).
Notably,
ECOFEST aligns with the “culture economy” focus of UEMOA’s Strategic Plan “IMPACT 2030,” which recognizes Cultural and Creative Industries as key value-added services.
The initiative, facilitated by the UEMOA Cultural and Creative Industries Development Program (PDICC-UEMOA), aims to foster regional creativity.
A Theme Resonating with Current Events
Both regional institutions (ECOWAS and UEMOA) mobilize cultural wealth as a driving force of dialogue.
The theme of the first edition, “Political Changes and crises in West Africa: what can culture do?” is timely and relevant.
UEMOA is convinced culture plays a vital role in calming, uniting, and mobilizing the region amid challenges.
Through performances, exhibitions, and discussions, the festival demonstrates that:
Culture is a catalyst for peace.
Culture is a tool for resilience.
Culture is a lever for unity.
Commissioner JAQUITÉ concluded by reaffirming that the UEMOA Commission is committed to advancing the region’s cultural influence within the shared West African region.
