The I Believe Cultural and Social Development Foundation has announced plans to host the African Trade, Tourism and Culture Expo and Summit (ATTCE) and the I Believe Carnival Nigeria 2026 from November 10 to 12 at Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja, to promote African enterprise, cultural heritage and cross-border partnerships.
The events, themed “Africa in Motion: Where Trade, Culture and Tourism Meet,” aim to connect businesses, investors, tourism professionals, government institutions, creatives and cultural stakeholders while creating opportunities for trade, investment and cultural exchange across the continent.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the events, the Founder and President of the I Believe Cultural and Social Development Foundation, organizers of the African Trade Tourism and Culture Expo and Summit and the I Believe Carnival Nigeria Omoefe Tawiyah said the initiative was designed to bring Africa’s enterprise and heritage together, enabling people to connect, do business and experience the continent through its people.
Tawiyah emphasised the close relationship between trade, tourism, culture and livelihoods, noting that expanding business into new markets creates opportunities for growth, while tourism generates income for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tour guides, artisans and local communities.
He also highlighted the economic value of the creative industry, stressing that when African creative works reach wider audiences, they create opportunities for artists and other talents to earn sustainable incomes.
According to him, strengthening these connections is essential to making African products more accessible, encouraging travel across destinations and building partnerships beyond national borders.
“The African Trade, Tourism and Culture Expo and Summit will provide a platform for entrepreneurs, investors, tourism professionals, government institutions, creatives and industry leaders to interact through exhibitions, summit discussions and business engagements.
The Founder expressed optimism that the platform would transform initial contacts into lasting relationships and practical business opportunities.
“Alongside the expo and summit, the I Believe Carnival Nigeria 2026 will celebrate Africa’s living cultural heritage through traditional and contemporary cultural expressions.
“The carnival will showcase the continent’s diverse languages, music, dance, storytelling, craftsmanship, cuisine, traditions and celebrations, while promoting cultural preservation and encouraging younger generations to appreciate and sustain their heritage.
He stressed that protecting cultural heritage goes beyond preserving historical objects and traditions to ensuring that their significance is understood, shared and passed on to future generations.
“The events would provide opportunities for cultural exchange, mutual understanding and greater appreciation of the value African communities contribute to the continent’s identity and development.
The President also highlighted its commitment to inclusion, explaining that the programme would create opportunities for schools, students, core members, emerging creatives and persons with disabilities to participate meaningfully.
Describing the initiative as a celebration of Africa’s shared future, the organisers called on Africans in the diaspora to reconnect with the continent by bringing their experience, ideas, networks and investments to support emerging opportunities.
He extended an invitation to international participants to bring their businesses, cultural expressions and ambitions to Abuja, describing the events as a platform for collaboration between Africa and the wider world.
The organisers called on partners and media organisations to amplify the stories of participating entrepreneurs, tourism destinations, artists and communities to demonstrate the economic and cultural value of the initiative.
He urged interested individuals and organisations to register and explore participation opportunities ahead of the events.
“Registration is free and can be completed through I Believe Carnival.com or by scanning the QR code available on the event’s promotional materials.
The three-day programme will feature a distinct focus for each day: Day One — Think Africa; Day Two — Trade and Connect Africa; and Day Three — Experience Africa.
Mister Tawiyah expressed confidence that the events would strengthen connections across trade, tourism and culture while positioning Abuja as a meeting point for African enterprise, creativity and heritage.
He invited participants from across Nigeria, Africa and the diaspora to attend the events from November 10 to 12, 2026, at Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja, under the rallying message: “Africa is gathering. Africa is in motion.”
