East African countries unite to promote Art and Culture

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:– Ministers from five East African nations have reached a landmark agreement to collaborate in advancing the region’s arts, culture, and creative industries.

The agreement was finalized during the East African Art and Culture Festival, which concluded on Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The participating countries—Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Kenya, and Tanzania—pledged to strengthen cultural cooperation and maximize the potential of the creative sector.

“We are pleased to announce that the East African art and culture ministers have agreed to work together towards the advancement of the region’s cultural and creative industry for better utilization of its potential,” the ministers stated in a joint declaration.

The Ugandan delegation, led by State Minister for Disability Affairs Hellen Grace Asumo, comprised 22 members. Following high-level discussions, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to fostering regional cooperation in the promotion and development of East African arts and culture.

As part of the agreement, the ministers outlined plans to establish a framework for joint initiatives and projects that will facilitate the exchange of ideas, expertise, and best practices across the region. This initiative aims to bolster the cultural sector, celebrate cultural diversity, and elevate East African art on the global stage.

“In the coming weeks, we will share a working document detailing key areas of collaboration,” the ministers said. “This document will provide a comprehensive framework for implementing our agreement and serve as a guide for cultural stakeholders across the region.”

Ahmed Mohammed Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Culture and Sport, emphasized the importance of collective action in unlocking the full potential of East African art and culture.

“By working together, we can drive economic growth, foster regional integration, and promote our rich cultural heritage. We will keep stakeholders updated on progress and look forward to continued support and engagement in this transformative initiative,” Ali stated.

The agreement marks a significant step toward positioning East African art and culture as a key driver of economic and social development. The ministers expressed optimism that their collaboration will lead to sustainable growth in the creative sector while strengthening cultural ties across the region.