The Federal Government is set to launch the African Global Festival Nigeria, popularly known as AGLOFEST, in October 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s cultural, economic and diplomatic ties with the global Black Diaspora.

The initiative, which is being developed through a public-private partnership, has received approval from President Bola Tinubu, according to a statement made available on Sunday.

AGLOFEST is expected to bring together government officials, investors, businesses, cultural institutions, creative industry professionals, entrepreneurs, development partners and members of the Black Diaspora.

The festival is being developed in collaboration with relevant Federal Government ministries, departments and agencies, including the Ministries of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; Trade, Investment and Industry; and Foreign Affairs.

The government said the event would promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage, tourism potential and creative industries while creating opportunities for trade, investment and institutional partnerships between Nigeria, other African countries and the wider Black Diaspora.

The Permanent Secretary, General Services Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Ibrahim Kana, had earlier announced the planned October launch, stating that the President had approved the initiative.

According to the organisers, the festival will use culture as a platform for broader economic engagement, with opportunities expected across tourism, hospitality, aviation, transportation, entertainment, creative industries, trade, investment and infrastructure.

The event will feature three major programmes: the Black Diaspora Economic Forum, focusing on trade, investment and business partnerships; the Black Diaspora Cultural Presentation, which will highlight African heritage and creative expression; and the Renewed Global Hope and Peace Concert, centred on music, peace and unity.

The Convener of AGLOFEST and Chief Executive Officer of T-BYK, Tunde MacAlabi, commended President Tinubu for approving the initiative and acknowledged the participating ministries and agencies for their support.

MacAlabi said the festival was designed to provide Nigeria with a platform to strengthen its economic, cultural and strategic relationship with the global Black Diaspora.

He said the October 2026 launch would mark the beginning of efforts to position Nigeria as a major international destination for Black cultural expression, tourism, investment and economic cooperation.

He added that preparations were already underway, with organisers engaging prospective international participants, investors, sponsors, cultural organisations, strategic partners and members of the global Black Diaspora.

The AGLOFEST concept builds on an earlier version of the project announced in 2025, which was presented as a cultural and socio-economic initiative aimed at connecting Africans and members of the Black Diaspora through culture, creativity and business.

The organisers are also seeking the participation of state governments, private-sector organisations, international institutions, development partners and cultural organisations ahead of the October launch.