From November 5 to 10, 2024, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, became the focal point of the largest Pan-African event, Africa Celebrates 2024. This monumental gathering brought together delegates from 41 African nations and 13 countries of the African diaspora, uniting a diverse group of leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and cultural icons for five days of inspiring dialogue, vibrant exhibitions, and groundbreaking discussions that spanned business, culture, and innovation.
The event began with a vibrant welcome as delegates arrived on Ethiopian Airlines, the official airline partner. At Bole International Airport, the Africa Celebrates Protocol Team, under the leadership of Tesfaye Gebremichael, efficiently facilitated the smooth arrival and transport of participants to the luxurious Skylight Hotel. This marked the start of an exciting week where Addis Ababa would be transformed into a hub for collaboration, cultural exchange, and innovation.
On November 6, the grand opening ceremony took place at the iconic Africa Hall in the UNECA complex. The opening remarks, delivered by Dr. Abel Basutu on behalf of Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, the Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development of the African Union, alongside key addresses by Her Excellency Selamawit Kassa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, The event commenced with opening remarks delivered by Her Excellency, Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development of the African Union Commission, who was ably represented by Dr Abel Basutu. Other remarks were made Amb Willy Nyamitwe, Ambassador of Burundi to Ethiopia, Mikael Cleverly, Charge d’ Affair of the US Delegation to the African Union, Her Excellency, Selamawit Kassa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency, Pedro Leon Cortes Ruiz, Colombia Ambassador to Kenya who represented the Vice President of Colombia and His Excellency, Amb Mohammed Arrouchi, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the African Union, represented by Saad EL Qamcaoui set the tone for the event. Their speeches emphasized Africa’s progress and the importance of unity, collaboration, and sustainable growth for the continent’s future.
The opening day also featured the Made in Africa Exhibition, which was officially inaugurated by Minister Selamawit Kassa, Minister of Tourism of Ethiopia. This exhibition highlighted the immense creativity and entrepreneurial spirit across the African continent, showcasing a wide range of products from various African nations. The exhibition provided a platform for business networking and the discovery of new partnerships that aim to boost Africa’s economic development. Alongside the exhibition, the Africa Talks Business and Investment Forum took place, where experts shared valuable insights into strategies for fostering economic growth and investment in Africa.
Meanwhile, the African Traditional Leaders Forum discussed vital topics surrounding cultural preservation, conflict resolution, and the role of traditional governance in the modern world. The African Fashion Business Summit also took place, emphasizing the growing influence of African designers in the global fashion industry and exploring ways to harness creativity for economic empowerment.
On November 7, the event’s focus shifted to inclusivity and social awareness. The Down Syndrome and Other Intellectual Disability Awareness Initiative session took center stage, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive societies for people with disabilities. The event provided a platform for participants to engage in thought-provoking discussions and share solutions to the challenges faced by people with disabilities in Africa.
The Women’s Forum, inspired by the historic Beijing Conference, also took place on Day 2, where prominent leaders and advocates discussed issues of gender equality, women’s empowerment, and economic inclusion. A key theme was the need for greater representation of women in leadership roles across all sectors. Concurrently, the Afro Film Alliance Forum showcased African cinema, celebrating the diverse storytelling traditions of the continent. The Afro Tech and Innovation Forum highlighted Africa’s growing technological sector, with leaders and innovators sharing cutting-edge solutions that could drive the continent’s future.
That evening, the event’s cultural richness came alive at the Cultural Night of African Music, Dance, and Cuisine, held at UNECA’s East Parking. The celebration featured performances by iconic African artists such as Muma Gee from Nigeria, Queen Stella Aicha from Burkina Faso, Maalem Chrif Kadiri from Morocco and Ethiopia’s Addis Kana band. Guests savored traditional African dishes, while the music and dance performances filled the air with energy, bringing delegates together in a celebration of unity, heritage, and shared culture.
On November 8, the Africa Youth Forum took place, where young leaders from across the continent joined elders and decision-makers to discuss Africa’s future and the importance of empowering the next generation of leaders. This intergenerational dialogue was designed to inspire young people to take on leadership roles and actively contribute to the continent’s development.
The Wellness and Beauty Expo Africa also took place, shedding light on the continent’s rapidly growing wellness and beauty industries. This event highlighted innovations in health, beauty, and personal care, showcasing Africa’s potential in these sectors. In the evening, the Gala Fashion & Awards Night – Africa Fashion Reception dazzled attendees with stunning designs from across Africa, blending traditional patterns with modern styles. The event not only celebrated the beauty of African fashion but also served as a platform to recognize outstanding individuals and brands in the fashion industry.
November 9 allowed delegates to explore Addis Ababa’s rich history and culture through a city tour. Participants visited historic sites, markets, and cultural landmarks, gaining deeper insight into Ethiopia’s storied past and vibrant arts scene. The day also included shopping excursions, where attendees were able to purchase locally crafted goods, further strengthening the ties between African culture and entrepreneurship.
The final day, November 10, included the closing ceremony at the African Union’s Nelson Mandela Hall, where participants reflected on the successes of the event and discussed the way forward. The Africa Talks Business & Investment Forum concluded with actionable insights, and delegates departed with a renewed sense of optimism and commitment to driving Africa’s development. The event was hailed as a success, with attendees already looking forward to Africa Celebrates 2025.
Organized by Legendary Gold in collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines, UNECA, the African Union, and various other partners, Africa Celebrates 2024 demonstrated the continent’s potential to innovate, unite, and lead on the global stage. By blending business, culture, and creativity, the event left a lasting impact on all who attended, proving once again that the time for Africa is now.