SPECIAL INFORMATION
1. Cultural Troupe Group participation/registration fees @ N1,500,000.00 (USD120) per
State/Country/Organization, which covers Participants Tags, Certificate of
Participation, bags and relevant souvenirs.
2. Exhibition Pavilion @ N3,000,000.00 (USD240) per State/Country/ Organization.
3. Exhibition Booth @ N1,000,000.00 per State/Country/Organization.
4. Customized Exhibition Centre Space Available for Multi-Nationals/ Interested
Countries/States (Contact the Secretariat for details).
5. Individual Participation Registration Fee @ N100,000.00 (USD100) which covers
participation Tag, Certificate, bag and relevant Festival souvenirs.
6. Opportunities for side events are available for interested States/Countries
/Organizations with a fee for Venues/facilities (please contact the Secretariat).
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN BENIN CITY CATEGORIES/RATES PER NIGHT:
CATEGORY A: Studio Rooms: N20,000.00 (USD20) – N50,000.00 (USD50)
CATEGORY B: Business Suites: N60,000.00 (USD60) – N20,000.00 (USD100)
CATEGORY C: Luxury Suites: N160,000.00 (USD150) – N220,000.00 (USD200)
CATEGORY D: Diplomatic Suites: N220,000.00 (USD200 – N500,000.00 (USD400)
CATEGORY E: Presidential Suites: N600,000.00 (USD500) – N1,200,000.00 (USD1000)
CATEGORY F: Furnished Apartments rate per Night:
a. 2 Bedrooms: N220,000.00 (USD200) – N300,000.00 (USD250)
b. 3 Bedrooms: N250,000.00 (USD250) – N500,000.00 (USD500)
For other information, please contact the Festival Secretariat.
Tel/WhatsApp: +2348105009955, +2349057124317, +2348034290049, +2348033758819, +2348065260126
The Logistics and Accommodation Committee, EFCF NIGERIA 2026
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES AND INVESTMENT: Exchange: at USD 1 = ₦1,500. VAT exclusive
Table 1: Main Sponsorship Tiers: *Tier *Investment *Key Benefits
a. TITLE PARTNER: ₦500,000,000.00 (USD 320,000.):
Festival naming rights, Keynote, 12x12m Pavilion, 20 VIP, CEO Breakfast, Lead Media
b. DIAMOND PARTNER: ₦250,000,000.00 (USD 160,000.):
Diamond Branding, Panel Moderator, 9x9m Pavilion, 15 VIP, 2 Media Interviews
c. PLATINUM PARTNER: ₦120,000,000.00 (USD 75,000.):
Platinum Branding, Speaking slot, 6x6m Pavilion, 10 VIP, Business Matchmaking
d. GOLD PARTNER: ₦60,000,000.00 (USD40,000.):
Gold branding, 5-min pitch, 3x3m Booth, 6 VIP
e. SILVER PARTNER: ₦30,000,000.00 (USD20,000.):
Banner Branding, 3x3m Booth, 4 VIP
f. BRONZE PARTNER: ₦12,000,000.00 (USD8,000.):
Website logo, 2x2m SME Booth, 2 VIP
g. SUPPORTING PARTNER: ₦3,000,000.00 (USD2,000.):
SME Table, 2 Passes, Youth Pitch
Table 2: Brand Activations: *Activation *Investment
Culinary Olympics Sponsor: ₦30,000,000.00 (USD20,000.)
Miss/Face of EFCF Title Sponsor: ₦35,000,000.00 (USD22,500.)
Fashion Showcase Sponsor : ₦20,000,000.00 (USD12,800.)
Exhibition Pavilion: ₦15,000,000.00 (USD10,000.)
Transport Partner: ₦18,000,000.00 (USD11,500.)
Payment Terms: 30% on MoU, 40% at 60 days, 30% at 30 days.
About The Event
ECOWAS FOOD AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL (EFCF): “NIGERIA 2026”: BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA: 27TH – 31ST OCTOBER, 2026
THEME: “African Foods, Cultural Heritage, Peace and Security for Sustainable Development, Tourism and Economic Growth”.
INVITATION PACKAGE AND CALL FOR:
- Participation, Collaboration, Support and Assistance
- Partnership, Corporate Sponsorship and Exhibition
- Nomination and Sponsorship of State/County Official Delegation, Cultural Troupes, Dancers, Musicians, Artists, Pageants, Royal Dishes/Cuisin Chefs, Investors and Multinationals, CSOs/NGOs, Women, Youth and Students.
- Exhibitors, Investors and Development Partners
- Abstracts, Presenters and other Proposals.
The first Edition of this Festival was very successful, well attended and funded with the Partnership/ Support of ECOWAS Commission Abuja, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) – The Presidency, with the professional/technical and supervisory support of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Police Affairs, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, DSS Hqs, NSCDC Headquarters, Nigeria Immigration Service, etc.
Following the remarkable success of its maiden edition hosted in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Festival has evolved into a strategic regional initiative designed to harness Africa’s enormous agricultural potential, rich cultural diversity, tourism assets and investment opportunities as instruments for sustainable economic growth, regional cooperation and inclusive prosperity. Hence, Edo State Government is hosting “EFCF Nigeria 2026” in Benin City, Edo State.
The Second Edition represents a significant step towards establishing the Festival as West Africa’s foremost annual platform for policy dialogue, investment promotion, cultural diplomacy and international partnerships. It is envisioned as a meeting point where governments, development institutions, diplomatic missions, investors, the organised private sector, academia, traditional institutions, youth organisations, women entrepreneurs and the African diaspora collaborate in shaping practical solutions to shared regional challenges.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION:
BACKGROUND: EFCF uses food and culture as tools for integration. Uyo proved the concept. Benin 2026 expands it.
VISION: To establish EFCF as West Africa’s premier annual platform for food security, cultural diplomacy, tourism and investment.
MISSION: Unite stakeholders to celebrate heritage while promoting investment and inclusive growth.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES: Promote food security, showcase culture, position Benin as tourism hub, drive AfCFTA trade, empower youth/women, facilitate investment.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT: Supports ECOWAS Vision 2050, AU Agenda 2063, SDGs 1,2,5,8,9,11,12,17.
THE STRATEGIC BUSINESS CASE
FOOD SECURITY: Promote climate-smart agriculture, agro-processing, and regional food systems.
CULTURE & TOURISM: Position culture as economic asset. Use Edo’s heritage to drive visitor arrivals and jobs.
TRADE & INVESTMENT: B2B, B2G, Exhibitions and MoUs aligned to AfCFTA.
YOUTH & WOMEN: 500+ entrepreneurs to get training, finance and market access.
IMPACT EDO: hotel occupancy, jobs, investment.
WHY PARTNER?
Visibility • Credibility • Networking • Market Access • Impact • Legacy
Your brand. Our heritage. One West African Platform.
Region:
stronger cooperation, exports, cultural diplomacy.
The ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival (EFCF) Nigeria 2026 is conceived as West Africa’s foremost platform for promoting food security, cultural diplomacy, tourism, regional integration and sustainable economic development.
Following the remarkable success of the maiden edition hosted in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the second edition will reposition the Festival as a globally competitive event that integrates policy dialogue, investment promotion, cultural exchange, tourism development, agribusiness and creative enterprise into one internationally recognised platform hosted by Edo State Government, with its rich historical legacy and globally acclaimed cultural heritage, EFCF Nigeria 2026 will convene government leaders, development institutions, diplomatic missions, investors, multinational corporations, financial institutions, academia, tourism operators, cultural organisations, entrepreneurs, youth leaders, women groups and members of the African diaspora.
EFCF Nigeria 2026 is the 2nd Edition of a Flagship ECOWAS Initiative for Food Security, Culture, Tourism and Investment. Participants are expected from Governments, ECOWAS, AU, DFIs, Investors, SMEs, Diaspora.
Core Components of the Festival is: Food Security Summit, Exhibition Village, Business Forum, Culinary Olympics, Fashion Showcase, Miss EFCF, Parade of Nations.
Expected Outcomes: $100M+ Deals, Tourism Growth, Youth/Women Empowerment, Stronger Regional Partnerships.
The Festival is designed to strengthen regional cooperation, stimulate investment, expand intra-African trade, promote indigenous African cuisine, encourage innovation within agricultural value chains and position West Africa as an attractive destination for tourism and business.
Beyond the celebrations, EFCF Nigeria 2026 seeks to create measurable economic impact through investment facilitation, business networking, public-private partnerships, export promotion and long-term legacy projects that will continue to benefit Edo State and the ECOWAS region.
MISS/FACE OF ECOWAS FOOD AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL:
The introduction of the Miss/Face of ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival represents one of the most innovative additions to the second edition. The competition is designed to celebrate intelligence, leadership, cultural knowledge, advocacy and public service rather than conventional beauty alone. Selection processes will begin months before the Festival across participating ECOWAS countries, creating sustained publicity and stakeholder engagement throughout the region.
Contestants will participate in leadership development, cultural diplomacy, tourism promotion, food advocacy and community service programmes. The winner will serve as the official Ambassador of Food Security, Culture and Tourism for the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival throughout her one-year tenure.
BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT PLATFORM:
EFCF Nigeria 2026 has been designed as a practical investment marketplace.
Activities include:
• Investment Roundtables, • Business Matchmaking Sessions, • Government-to-Business Dialogues, • Business-to-Business Networking, • Trade Exhibitions, • Investment Pitch Sessions, • Product Launches Memorandum of Understanding Signings • Regional Export Promotion Forums
These engagements will facilitate new commercial relationships capable of generating investment, employment and long-term regional collaboration.
CORPORATE VALUE PROPOSITION: Corporate partners will benefit from:
• Premium brand exposure. • Direct engagement with government leaders. • Access to investors and development institutions. • Product exhibitions. • Corporate presentations. • Executive networking. • International media visibility.
• Corporate Social Responsibility positioning. • Customer acquisition opportunities. • Regional market expansion.
TARGET PARTICIPANTS: Expected participants include: ECOWAS Institutions, African Union, Federal Government of Nigeria, Edo State Government, State Governments, Diplomatic Missions, Development Finance Institutions, United Nations Agencies, International Development Organisations, Financial Institutions, Telecommunications Companies, Airlines, Hospitality Groups, Agribusiness Companies, Manufacturing Companies, Creative Industry Professionals, Tourism Operators, Universities, Research Institutions, Youth Organisations, Women Associations, Traditional Institutions, Members of the African Diaspora.
FESTIVAL OBJECTIVES:
The Festival seeks to:
- Promote regional food security and agricultural innovation.
- Showcase African cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge.
- Strengthen regional integration among ECOWAS Member States.
- Encourage investment in agriculture, tourism and the creative economy.
- Promote intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
- Create employment opportunities for young people and women.
- Strengthen cultural diplomacy and peaceful coexistence.
- Position Benin City as an international destination for conferences, tourism and investment.
- Promote sustainable economic growth through strategic partnerships.
Region:
FIVE-DAY FESTIVAL PROGRAMME:
DAY 1 – Arrival and Networking: Exhibition Village Opens, Airport Cultural Welcome, Arrival of International Delegates, Accreditation, Exhibition Setup, Media Briefing, Welcome Reception and Cultural Performances.
DAY 2 – Presidential Opening and Parade of Nations: ECOWAS Countries. African Food Exhibition. Official Opening Ceremony, Parade of ECOWAS Nations, Food Exhibition, Tourism Expo and Diplomatic Reception, Heritage Evening with African Musical Orchestral band by Tar Uko-AU Music Ambassador.
DAY 3 – ECOWAS FOOD SECURITY And investment Summit: Sessions on Climate Agriculture, AfCFTA, Agri-Financing, Women, Youth & AI, Food Tourism. Business Matchmaking + Investment Roundtable, International Food Security and Investment Summit featuring high-level Policy Dialogue, Business Presentations, Technical Sessions and Investment Roundtables.
DAY 4 – Heritage and Cultural Day: Cultural Village. ECOWAS Culinary Olympics. African Fashion Showcase/Runway. Music Concert, ECOWAS Cultural Heritage Day featuring Traditional Performances, Arts Exhibitions, Culinary Competitions, the Grand Finale of the Miss/Face of ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival – Golden Calabash Award to the best Pageant.
DAY 5 – Business and Legacy Day: Business CEOs Breakfast, Business-to-Business Meetings, Investment Agreements, Benin Declaration, MoU Signings, EFCF Cultural Excellence Awards. Grand Gala, Awards Ceremony and Closing State Banquet.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival is an annual regional initiative established to celebrate Africa’s rich cultural diversity while using food, tourism and cultural diplomacy as instruments for economic growth and regional integration. The Festival provides a platform where governments, businesses, investors, development partners and cultural institutions collaborate to create opportunities for sustainable development.
EFCF is built upon the belief that Africa’s greatest competitive advantage lies within its people, heritage, agriculture, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Through strategic partnerships, the Festival transforms these strengths into practical opportunities for trade, investment, innovation and employment.
WHY EDO STATE:
Benin City remains one of Africa’s Oldest Centres of Civilisation. It’s internationally recognised cultural heritage, traditional institutions, artistic excellence and historical significance provide an exceptional setting for a Festival of continental importance.
Hosting EFCF Nigeria 2026 will further strengthen Edo State’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading tourism and investment destinations while creating immediate and long-term economic opportunities for businesses and local communities. The Festival will increase hotel occupancy, stimulate transportation services, support local agriculture, encourage creative enterprises and enhance international visibility for Edo State.
FESTIVAL OBJECTIVES:
The Festival seeks to:
- Promote regional food security and agricultural innovation.
- Showcase African cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge.
- Strengthen regional integration among ECOWAS Member States.
- Encourage investment in agriculture, tourism and the creative economy.
- Promote intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
- Create employment opportunities for young people and women.
- Strengthen cultural diplomacy and peaceful coexistence.
- Position Benin City as an international destination for conferences, tourism and investment.
- Promote sustainable economic growth through strategic partnerships.
EFCF maiden event 2024 in Uyo
EFCF Maiden Event 2024 In Uyo was an unforgettable journey through the heart of West Africa, where history, artistry, and community converged in a spectacular showcase of unity and creativity.
The audience were immersed into a dazzling celebration of our rich cultural heritage, where the diverse traditions of 15 member countries came to life. From tantalizing tastes of authentic regional cuisines to mesmerizing rhythms of traditional music and dance, every moment promises a feast for your senses.
Cross section of participants at the EFCF outing in Uyo 2024
Showcasing products during EFCF maiden event in Uyo
Cultural Group from Uyo- EFCF 2024
Cultural Group from Katsina State entertaining participants in Uyo during the EFCF 2024 event.
Diaspora Coordinator with Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Kano State during Ecowas Food and Cultural Festival 2024 events in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Nigeria
HRM Clement F. Ekpenyong, Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan was flanked by other Traditional Rulers, Stake Holders, National and Local Organising Committee Members of EFCF held in Uyo Akwa Ibom State.
video gallery
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