Abuja is set to host the I Believe Carnival Nigeria 2026 alongside the African Trade, Tourism and Cultural Expo and Summit (ATTCE), from November 10 to 12, 2026, organisers said.

The three-day event is billed to take place at Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja, under the theme “Africa in Motion Where Trade, Culture and Capital Meet.” The event will bring together stakeholders to promote cultural heritage, tourism, intra-African trade and boost economic revitalisation.

Announcing the event on October 14 at a press briefing in Abuja, Convener and Chief Organising Officer, Omoefe Tawiyah, said the initiative aims to connect the African marketplace, investors, tourism professionals and creatives to create new vistas that drive tourism, trade, investment, cross-border partnerships and strengthen cultural diplomacy.

According to Tawiyah, the carnival would celebrate Africa’s cultural heritage through dance, storytelling, music, food and craftsmanship, while the expo would provide a platform for exhibitions, summit sessions and business discussions.

“This initiative aims to celebrate Africa’s cultural heritage through dance, music, food and other traditional expressions while creating opportunities for trade, investment and cross-border partnerships,” Tawiyah said.

The programmes will feature three complementary experiences: a Leadership Summit on November 10, a Trade and Exhibition Expo on November 11, and a Street Carnival and Cultural Parade on November 12.

Beyond this, the final day of the event will feature five carnival bands representing Love, Unity, Progress, Hope and Peace, alongside community and NYSC performances.

The Organisers expressed strong optimism that I Believe Carnival 2026 and ATTCE would foster cultural exchange, strengthen business ties and position Abuja as a premier continental hub for tourism, cultural heritage and trade.

Dr Olayiwola Awakun of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), said the event would showcase Nigeria’s multifarious ethnic groups and renew carnival celebrations in Abuja.

In a similar vein, Mr Etim Udoka Peter, Principal Arts Officer at the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), called for greater commercialisation of Nigeria’s arts, culture and tourism sectors to maximally unlock their economic potential and drive national growth.

The event is being organised by I Believe Cultural and Social Development in partnership with the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Art, Culture and Creative Economy, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).