Senegal hosts first West African Arts and Culture Festival

Transcript

00:00This week Dakar is coming alive to the re-theme of West African arts and culture.

00:12Also known as ECOFest, the festival's opening ceremony was held in Dakar's Grand Theatre on Sunday.

00:19It is co-organized by ECOAS and the West African Economic and Monetary Union

00:24and hosted under the auspices of the Senegalese government.

00:29It is with immense pride that Senegal and I personally, on behalf of the President of the Republic,

00:36welcome you to Dakar, our capital, for the first edition of the West African Festival of Arts and Culture, ECOFest.

00:43You are at home here in this land of Teranga.

00:46In other words, hospitality, the ocean gateway to West Africa,

00:50a crossroads of ethnic, cultural and spiritual exchange

00:54and a symbol of the importance of intercultural dialogue.

00:57It is an honor to welcome you to this space where tradition and modernity meet,

01:01where our diversities mutually enrich one another.

01:04It brings together artists, creators and intellectuals through artistic performances, exhibitions, debates and professional exchanges.

01:17With the event's aim being a unifying and open space for West Africans,

01:22this year's theme explores culture's role in political transformations and crises across the region.

01:28The organization of ECOFest 2025 is fully aligned with ECOWAS's Vision 2050,

01:35which aspires to an ECOWAS of the people, of peace and prosperity for all.

01:40This vision is based on the conviction that culture is an essential driver of social cohesion,

01:46lasting peace and inclusive sustainable economic development.

01:50ECOFest will run until 6th of December.

01:56It is anticipated to be an impactful event, not only for tourists, but also for the local people,

02:02opening up conversations to solutions for West Africa's evolving challenges.

02:07trees.

02:16And, want attention to those things.

02:20It's important to appreciate, as you thought you have a good future man,

02:22it has a terrible future men, and a epic and women,

02:23it has different ways to BTO region ...