NiDCOM Partners with African Cultural Festival to host major diaspora summit in Pennsylvania

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced a strategic partnership with the organizers of the African Cultural Festival (ACF2025) to host the African Diaspora Summit in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States.

The summit, slated for September 2025, is backed by the Government of Pennsylvania and the Dauphin County Commissioners. It is expected to attract global leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and creatives from across Africa and the diaspora to explore opportunities for collaboration under the theme: “Africa to the World: Culture, Creativity, and Collaboration.”

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, described the upcoming event as a timely platform to leverage diaspora expertise, drive youth and women empowerment, and advance Africa’s creative industries as engines of innovation and economic growth. She emphasized that the summit would not only spotlight Africa’s cultural wealth but also position its creative economy as a vital contributor to building stronger global partnerships.

According to the organizers, the three-day festival will feature a rich lineup of activities, including cultural showcases, youth leadership forums, panel discussions with thought leaders, and high-level business networking sessions. Delegates will engage in conversations on how African talent in music, fashion, film, technology, cuisine, literature, and art can be harnessed for sustainable development.

NiDCOM will also lead Nigeria’s presentation at the summit, highlighting investment opportunities in its creative sector. The Commission aims to use the platform to secure strategic partnerships that align with the country’s economic and cultural development goals.

The African Cultural Festival was formally unveiled on March 26, 2025, at the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg. The event celebrates nine creative pillars referred to as “Duduplugs” covering fashion, music, art, technology, film, dance, literature, food, and home décor. These pillars are designed to showcase the diversity and innovation driving Africa’s global cultural influence.

Organizers say the festival will provide a vibrant space to promote African heritage while connecting diaspora communities with policy initiatives, investment opportunities, and emerging trends in Africa’s creative industries. The summit is also expected to deepen partnerships between African nations and U.S. institutions, creating pathways for cross-border collaboration in education, trade, and cultural exchange.