World Africa Day at the Afrika Center | REACTIONS

World Africa Day was celebrated at the African Center with a clear intention to highlight the continent’s cultural richness and foster connections between communities. The initiative, led by the center’s new team, fits into a broader effort to promote interculturality and solidarity.

The director of the African Center, Serge Saint-Arnoul, emphasized that this celebration on May 27 complements the official date of May 25. The main objective was to bring together artisans, creators, culinary actors, authors, and entrepreneurs from various regions to showcase their talents and encourage exchanges. He stressed the importance of creating spaces that promote “living together” and strengthen solidarity, highlighting the essential role of diversity in the center’s mission.

Several participants expressed their satisfaction at reconnecting after long periods of isolation due to the pandemic. Some highlighted the importance of supporting women-led initiatives, particularly in creativity, craftsmanship, and raising awareness on health issues such as fibroids. The gathering also provided an opportunity to reconnect with compatriots from other parts of the world, fostering a sense of belonging and closeness despite the distance.

Among the exhibitors, the Massili Fashion brand showcased pieces made from wax, bogolan, and other African fabrics. Its representative, Massengo, noted that the day allowed them not only to display their work but also to create an atmosphere reflecting the diverse African universe. Other artisans offered clothing, beauty products, accessories, and traditional foods, demonstrating the vibrancy of African creativity.

The cooperative Style Afrique Hop, founded by Anne from Chad, also participated. This organization brings together women dedicated to promoting African culture. She highlighted her involvement with the Mother of the World in Health Foundation, which conducts two medical missions per year to assist women suffering from fistulas. For her, as well as for several other contributors, this celebration represented a significant moment after two years of separation due to the pandemic.

This edition of World Africa Day thus became a space for reunion, sharing, and showcasing African creativity in all its forms, marking an important step in strengthening community ties and promoting a future based on openness and solidarity.