Nigeria’s federal government says it will launch the African Global Festival Nigeria, known as AGLOFEST, in October 2026, as part of an initiative aimed at strengthening cultural and economic ties with the global Black diaspora.

The initiative has received presidential approval, according to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and is being developed as a public-private partnership involving the federal government and other stakeholders.

Organisers say AGLOFEST will bring together government officials, investors, businesses, cultural institutions, creative industry professionals, entrepreneurs, development partners and members of the diaspora.

The project involves several government ministries and agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to organisers, the initiative is intended to promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage, tourism and creative industries while creating opportunities for trade, investment and institutional partnerships between Africa and the wider Black diaspora.

The programme will include three main components: the Black Diaspora Economic Forum, focused on trade, investment and business partnerships; the Black Diaspora Cultural Presentation, showcasing African heritage and creative expression; and the Renewed Global Hope and Peace Concert, centred on music, peace and unity.

Tunde MacAlabi, convener of AGLOFEST and chief executive of T-BYK, said: “AGLOFEST was conceived as a platform through which Nigeria can deepen its economic, cultural and strategic relationships with the global Black diaspora.”

He said the October launch would mark a further step in efforts to promote Nigeria as a destination for cultural exchange, tourism, investment and business cooperation.

Organisers said preparations were under way, with discussions continuing with prospective international participants, investors, sponsors, strategic partners and cultural organisations.

MacAlabi also called on state governments, development partners, private-sector organisations, international institutions and diaspora groups to support the initiative.

The project dates back to 2025, when the federal government established an inter-ministerial committee to develop AGLOFEST as a platform combining cultural promotion with economic engagement.