By Onyekachi Victoria Philip
A new Pan-African initiative is set to bring East and West Africa closer through tourism, trade and creative arts, as Motherland Beckons prepares to host the East-West Africa Amalgamation in Ethiopia this September.
The initiative, themed “Connecting East and West Africa through Trade, Tourism, Investment and Culture,” will take place from September 15 to 23, 2026, across Addis Ababa and Wolaita Soddo, Ethiopia.
The programme is designed to create a platform where African businesses, investors, government stakeholders, tourism players and creatives can meet, exchange ideas and explore opportunities across regional boundaries.
The initiative is intended to encourage business connections, investment opportunities, cultural exchange and stronger collaboration between East and West Africa.
The programme is being organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Motherland Beckons, IPADA Initiatives and Accelerating Africa’s Growth Connect (AAGC).
A major feature of the initiative will be the opportunity for guests to engage through business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) matchmaking, allowing entrepreneurs and investors to connect with potential partners and relevant government stakeholders.
The organisers of event also plan to use tourism and creative arts as part of the connection, recognising the ability of culture, travel, music, fashion and other creative expressions to bring people from different parts of Africa together.
The choice of Addis Ababa also gives the initiative a significant Pan-African setting. The Ethiopian capital is home to the headquarters of the African Union, making it a prominent centre for continental diplomacy and cooperation.
The East-West Africa Amalgamation will subsequently move to Wolaita Soddo, where guests will experience cultural activities, investment discussions, tourism and other programmes designed to deepen the connection between the regions.
The initiative is expected to open conversations around sectors including trade, tourism, agriculture, aviation, oil and gas, education and creative arts, while creating opportunities for partnerships that can continue beyond the September programme.
The programme will run from September 15 to 23, 2026, beginning in Addis Ababa before moving to Wolaita Soddo.
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