The West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), conceived as a memorable event, will take place from June 20-21, 2025. Alongside the summit’s thought-provoking economic discussions, a stunning art exhibition will showcase the sub-region’s creative energy. The exhibition, titled Unleashing West Africa’s Creative Economy, will offer a unique fusion of art, economics, and West African culture, tracing the region’s artistic journey over the past five decades.
The artworks, inspired by the Pan-African Art Movement, will take attendees on a journey through West Africa’s vibrant artistic heritage. This rich cultural narrative, echoing the spirit of Dakar ’66 and FESTAC ’77, aims to foster a deeper appreciation for West Africa’s artistic identity and its contributions to the global cultural landscape.
These offerings constitute more than just an exhibition – they are a vibrant celebration of the region’s artistic prowess. Featuring 25 talented artists from diverse backgrounds, the show embodies the dynamic spirit of West Africa, where creativity knows no bounds. Inspired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a creative-driven Africa, the exhibition highlights the immense potential of the creative economy to generate revenue, create jobs, and export a unique cultural vision. Through the exhibition, visitors will embark on a visual odyssey spanning five decades of artistic expression, gaining a deeper understanding of West Africa’s rich heritage and visual identity. From traditional roots to contemporary innovations, the evolution of West African art is a story worth telling. This exhibition showcases the region’s resilience, diversity, and hope, sparking meaningful conversations among investors, policymakers, and cultural enthusiasts.
Curated by Nduwhite Ndubuisi Ahanonu, the show explores the deep, multi-layered heritage of Africans, fostering bilateral relationships and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a cultural superpower. The exhibition features an impressive lineup of artists, including Nigeria’s Bruce Onobrakpeya, Victor Ehikhamenor, Gerald Chukwuma, and Krydz Ikwuemesi, as well as Benin Republic’s Ludovic Fadairo and Mali’s Abdoulaye Konate, among others. Together, they redefine West Africa’s narrative, blending creativity, heritage, and collaboration.
As a game-changer, this exhibition is not just a showcase of cultural diplomacy – it’s a masterful fusion of West Africa’s rich heritage and regional solidarity that solidifies Nigeria’s position as a cultural powerhouse. Its impact extends far beyond the cultural sphere, serving as a rallying cry to harness the creative economy’s potential as a key driver of employment, revenue, and global exports. Featuring a stellar lineup of artists, including icons like Bruce Onobrakpeya alongside rising stars like Samuel Nnorom and Jacqueline Suowari, Nigeria is at the forefront of a creative revolution. Through their art, West Africa is rewriting its own narrative – a vibrant blend of tradition, innovation, and collaboration that breaks borders and forges new frontiers.
This exhibition attests to the region’s artistic excellence, showcasing its unique voice and perspective to the world. It also shines a spotlight on culture, highlighting its role in driving innovation and sustainable development in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and UNESCO’s cultural policies. West Africa’s creative potential is ready to shine, with artists stepping up to make their mark. President Tinubu’s call to action – “It’s time for reckoning” – inspires artists to tap into the region’s vast potential. His words, “We have admired our potential for too long; now it is time to activate it,” echo the need for tangible progress.
The West Africa Economic Summit in Abuja, therefore, provides an ideal platform for reimagining the economic future, with West African artists as collaborators, blending tradition and innovation in their work. Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, offers practical wisdom: “We don’t need a new wheel, just get the existing one turning.” As West Africa moves forward, unity and collective action will be key to unlocking its economic potential and seizing opportunities for growth.
