Africa Celebrates 2024 Opens in Grand Style at Africa Hall, UNECA, Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa-
The much-anticipated Africa Celebrates 2024 began in spectacular fashion at Africa Hall within the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia yesterday.
The opening ceremony, attended by dignitaries, diplomats, and key stakeholders, reflected a deep commitment to showcasing African unity, culture, and innovation on the world stage.
The event commenced with the national anthems of Ethiopia and the African Union, setting an inspiring tone of solidarity and pride. This was followed by a welcome speech from Lexy Mojo Eye, President of Legendary Gold Limited, Convener and CEO of Africa Celebrates. Mojo Eye expressed his delight at the impressive turnout and promised an unforgettable event ahead. His words were met with enthusiastic applause, signaling the audience’s excitement for what Africa Celebrates 2024 has in store.
HE Selamawat Kassa, Hon. Minister of Tourism, Ethiopia opening the “Made in Africa Exhibition” accompanied by Mr. Lexy Mojo Eye ,the Convener and other dignitaries
Following the welcome address, Her Excellency Salamawat Kassa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, delivered special remarks, highlighting the significance of Africa Celebrates in fostering continental unity and promoting the richness of African heritage. Kassa commended the collaborative spirit and pledged her support for the event’s mission.
Several dignitaries shared goodwill messages and special addresses, underscoring the importance of Africa Celebrates as a platform for cultural exchange and developmen, some of the speakers included:
H.E. Amb. Minata Semate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development at the African Union, represented by Dr. Abel Basutu, a Director in the Commission.
H.E. Amb. Willy Nyamtwe, Ambassador of Burundi to Ethiopia.
H.E. Amb. Mohamed Arrouch, Permanent Representative of Morocco to the African Union.
Mr. Mikael Cleverley, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to the African Union.
H.E. Amb. Pedro Leon Cortes Ruiz, Colombian Ambassador to Kenya, who represented the Vice President of Colombia.
H.E. Brook Temesgen Tegegne, CEO of the African Traditional Leaders Forum.
A musical performance by Queen Stella Nasagnon Mahlangu from Burkina Faso and later on Muma Gee from Nigeria added a vibrant touch to the proceedings, filling the hall with excitement and energy,offering a taste of the rich cultural exchange that Africa Celebrates aims to foster.
In a memorable moment, H.E. Selamawat Kassa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, officially declared open the “Made in Africa Exhibition.” The exhibition showcases African craftsmanship, art, and design, capturing the admiration of attendees who explored the displays representing the continent’s creative talent and cultural heritage.
The opening ceremony of Africa Celebrates 2024 set a high standard for the events to come, with dignitaries and delegates alike sharing a sense of optimism for the future of African cultural promotion and economic growth.
Africa Celebrates is supported by the African Union, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Embassy of Burundi in Ethiopia, Embassy of Nigeria in Ethiopia, Moroccan Delegation to the African Union, Ethiopian Airlines among others.
