By Damilola Adeyera
The East-West Africa Almagamation Forum is set to return in February 2027, barely five months after its maiden edition brought together African stakeholders in Ethiopia to advance a new agenda for continental cooperation through tourism, trade and the creative arts.
The announcement signals a fresh phase for the East-West Africa Almagamation movement, with the 2027 forum expected to build on the partnerships, conversations and opportunities generated during the inaugural gathering in September 2026.
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The first forum, which held from September 15 to 23, 2026 in Addis Ababa and Wolaita Soddo, Ethiopia, in September, attracted participants from across Africa and placed renewed attention on the need for African countries to strengthen economic, cultural and tourism ties.
At the heart of the gathering was the philosophy championed by Otunba Wanle Akinboboye: African countries should complete one another, not compete against one another.
The September forum examined how tourism, trade and the creative industries could become stronger bridges between African countries, while creating opportunities for investment, cultural exchange, youth development and cross-border collaboration.
The February 2027 edition is expected to take the conversation a step further, with emphasis shifting from dialogue to deeper partnerships, practical initiatives and projects capable of advancing the integration agenda.
Further details on the date, venue, participating countries and programme for the February 2027 forum are expected to be announced.