Senegal To Host ECOFEST 2025: A New Festival To Boost West African Tourism And Hospitality Sectors!

Published on November 23, 2025

Dakar, the lively capital of Senegal, is about to be the cultural center of West Africa because the country will celebrate the first West African Arts and Culture Festival (ECOFEST) from November 30 to December 6, 2025. This bold new project is predicted to greatly enhance the tourism and hospitality sectors of the region as well as display the vibrant cultures of the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and UEMOA (Union Économique et Monétaire Ouest-Africaine) regions.

The official launch of ECOFEST 2025 took place on November 20, during a press conference at the Museum of Black Civilisations in Dakar, led by Senegal’s Minister of Culture, Crafts and Tourism, Mr Amadou BA. The event was attended by key figures, including Secretary of State for Historical Heritage and Cultural and Creative Industries, Mr Bakary SARR, and the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr. The organisers unveiled the festival’s core themes and the progress of its preparations, setting the stage for an event poised to leave a lasting legacy on West African tourism.

A Festival for Cultural Exchange and Regional Integration

ECOFEST 2025 is designed to be a unifying and multidisciplinary event, bringing together diverse aspects of West African culture, including art, music, dance, cuisine and crafts. One of the most exciting aspects of the festival is its focus on the socio-political changes and crises impacting the region, with culture playing a pivotal role in promoting peace, cohesion, and regional integration. The festival will highlight the power of art to inspire dialogue and resolve conflicts, making it not only an entertainment event but a space for reflection and cultural exchange.

Minister Amadou BA stressed that Senegal is honoured to host ECOFEST, pointing out that the festival is an opportunity for the country to showcase its rich cultural identity while also playing a significant role in regional integration and socio-political dialogue. He highlighted how creative industries have become a crucial driver of growth, both socially and economically, across West Africa.

Secretary of State Bakary SARR echoed these sentiments, calling ECOFEST a celebration of integration, social cohesion, and cultural development, values that are central to the missions of both ECOWAS and UEMOA. This thematic focus aims to reinforce the bonds of unity among the countries of the region, making ECOFEST a vital step in the broader journey of economic and cultural integration.

Tourism and Hospitality Benefits

ECOFEST is poised to play a pivotal role in boosting the tourism and hospitality sectors of West Africa, particularly in Senegal. The event is expected to attract both regional and international visitors, giving tourists the chance to experience the best of West African culture. From performances to exhibitions and culinary experiences, the festival will immerse visitors in the diversity of West African traditions and innovations.

Senegal, a country known for its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, is well-positioned to benefit from the tourism surge that ECOFEST promises. The country’s infrastructure, which already caters to a steady stream of international tourists, is set to be further enhanced as the festival draws crowds from all corners of the globe. Local hotels, restaurants, and transport services will benefit from the influx of visitors, while regional tourism operators stand to gain from increased exposure.

In addition, the festival will bring attention to the culinary diversity of West Africa, promoting local food traditions and hospitality, which could become key attractions for tourists in the future. Senegal, in particular, is known for its distinctive cuisine, and ECOFEST will be an ideal platform to showcase its gastronomic heritage.

A Platform for Networking and Business Opportunities

Apart from the cultural performances, ECOFEST will also include professional meetings, artistic residencies, and spaces for reflection, all of which will help facilitate networking and collaboration among West African artists, cultural professionals, and industry leaders. These activities will create new opportunities for businesses in the tourism, arts, and hospitality sectors, paving the way for partnerships that can enhance regional tourism infrastructure and services.

By bringing together artists, academics, and industry stakeholders, the festival will encourage dialogue on how to harness cultural resources for sustainable tourism development. With the tourism industry across West Africa undergoing rapid transformation, ECOFEST is an ideal event to highlight the region’s growing appeal as a travel destination, while encouraging collaboration to improve hospitality standards.

Anticipating a New Era of West African Tourism

The organisers and officials behind ECOFEST have expressed confidence that the event will act as a catalyst for further development in the region’s tourism and hospitality sectors. In the years to come, West Africa’s cultural festivals, such as ECOFEST, could become important fixtures on the global tourism calendar, drawing thousands of visitors each year. For Senegal, hosting the festival will elevate its position as a key player in the West African tourism landscape, offering new experiences for visitors eager to explore the region’s rich heritage.

The impact of ECOFEST 2025 is anticipated to last well beyond the closing of the first edition. The festival is guaranteed to be a life-changing event not only for the tourists but also for the local people, opening up new paths to comprehension, conversation, and recognizing the richness of West Africa’s mixed cultural scene.