By Aisha Cole
No fewer than 20,000 foreign participants are expected at the 2026 Festival International des Arts du Bénin (FInAB) in February.
The figure underscores the growing global appeal of the annual cultural showcase hosted in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
The disclosure was made in Lagos on Thursday during a media briefing on Nigeria’s participation in the fourth edition of the festival.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria’s inclusion as a featured country reflects its cultural influence and longstanding ties with Benin.
The festival will run from Feb. 20 to March 1, attracting artistes, entrepreneurs, investors and tourists from across Africa and beyond.
A dedicated Nigeria Day will spotlight the country’s cultural, culinary and creative industries during the 10-day celebration.
An official consultant, Mr Kareem Balogun, said organisers reserved a full day for Nigeria to showcase its creativity.
He said the gesture would further deepen cultural diplomacy and strengthen economic cooperation between both neighbouring countries.
“We are taking Nigeria to Benin to showcase the creativity of our beautiful country.
“We thank the Government of Benin, especially Mr Ulrich Adjovi, President of Empire Group and FInAB, for featuring Nigeria prominently,” Balogun said.
He described the initiative as timely, noting that cultural exchanges remain vital to regional integration within the ECOWAS sub-region.
Project Facilitator, Ms Victory Francis, said the festival was conceived to project the vibrancy of Topa Market.
She described Topa Market as one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs, symbolising enterprise and cultural heritage.
“FInAB is a grand convergence of the seven arts – theatre, dance, music, cinema, fashion, literature and visual arts.
“It is a sanctuary where artistes meet entrepreneurs and tradition meets the modern economy,” Francis said.
She said since its debut in 2023, FInAB had promoted over 500 local and international artistes.
According to her, the festival has also stimulated the local economy through exhibitions, trade fairs and increased tourism activities.
Francis said the 2026 edition would place special emphasis on fashion, reflecting the sector’s expanding continental relevance.
She added that a full day would be dedicated to celebrating Nigeria’s arts and culture.
“This year, a whole day is dedicated to Nigeria because Nigeria is the giant of Africa and a major custodian of culture and arts.
“Nigeria Day will showcase culinary arts, performances, fashion, dance, drama and other expressions of Nigerian heritage,” she said.
According to her, FInAB provides a global platform for emerging talents lacking access to international audiences.
She added that the festival would promote tourism, cultural integration and the growth of the creative economy across West Africa.
She disclosed that about 15,000 international visitors attended the 2025 edition of the festival.
Organisers are projecting a significant increase in attendance for the 2026 edition.
Tourism expert, Mr Ayo Omotoso, said Nigeria Day would create opportunities for creatives to engage global stakeholders.
He said both established and emerging talents would benefit from expanded networks and potential partnerships.
“In Nigeria, we do not just export art; we export talent.
“This platform will raise global awareness for young Nigerian artistes and strengthen Nigeria’s global creative standing,” Omotoso said.
He added that performers, exhibitors and cultural icons were expected to participate at the festival.
Invitations have been extended to public officials, ECOWAS stakeholders, influencers and key figures in the creative industry.
Organisers said arrangements were ongoing with relevant authorities to ease cross-border movement for Nigerian participants.
They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring seamless logistics and robust representation for Nigeria at the event.
NAN further reports that FInAB is organised annually by Empire Group in Benin.
The festival brings together artistes, cultural practitioners, entrepreneurs and tourists from Africa and other parts of the world. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
