Afrika Festival Tübingen, the biggest African cultural and business event in Germany returns in August

The biggest African business and cultural festival in Germany will be held from 9th to 12th August 2018 in Tübingen.

The 8th edition of the International Afrika Festival Tübingen will turn the Festplatz Tübingen into an African village displaying the very best of Africa and Africans in Germany.

Since the United Republic of Tanzania has been chosen as the focus country of this year’s Festival, Dr Abdallah Saleh Possi, Tanzania’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany will be the special guest.

Ngoma Africa Band (Fanya Fujo Uone) set to thrill guests at Afrika Festival Tübingen with hot Kiswahili Rumba

Each year the International Afrika Festival Tübingen attracts more than 30,000 people from all parts of the world to exchange ideas, network, and a have a taste of Africa away from Africa by enjoying African music and dances, food, and buy African products.

Unlike most African festivals which are conceived and organised by non-Africans for Africans, the International Afrika Festival Tübingen is the brainchild of Sunjo and Susan Tatah, both from Cameroon who work in close collaboration with a team of Africans from all parts of Germany and local German authorities.

Ms Susan Tatah, the Director of Afrika Festival Tübingen

The Festival promotes diversity, peace and love between people from different backgrounds. It also promotes African countries as tourist and investment destinations in addition to challenging Africans in the Diaspora to play key roles in the development of their home countries.

This year’s Festival will feature a Forum on Tanzania (history, cultures and investment opportunities); Diaspora Day; Pan Africa Forum and Parade; Awards ceremony; Family Day; Fashion show; Arts & Crafts exhibition and market; live concerts by some of the best African bands and DJs in Europe; etc.

The most important and unique innovation of this year’s Festival is the introduction of German African International Expo (GAIEXPO) to promote trade and international cooperation between African countries and Germany as well as other European countries.

Ms Tatah describes the International Afrika Festival Tübingen as a “Family Summer vacation in Germany for Africans away from home”.

“In Europe we hardly have platforms enabling African families to spend quality time together while having fun in an African environment,” Ms Tatah says. “Many Africans in Europe work so hard, and rarely find time to spend together their kids. That’s why at this year’s Festival we have created a special children’s corner with merry-go-round, bouncing castle, creative games, and sports facilities for kids.”

Kenya’s Mistony will entertain the guests at Afrika Festival Tübingen

Since the organisers of the Festival have acquired more space for camping, visitors will have the possibility of camping free of charge. They will also have parking space for free. Those who like swimming are encouraged to bring along their swimming costumes because there is a City Council swimming pool just next to the Festival venue.

“l am very proud to have created this holiday event for African Diaspora worldwide. I look forward to welcoming you all to Tübingen,” says Ms Tatah.

For further information about the International Afrika Festival Tübingen, visit: www.afrikafestival.net or Facebook.com/AfricactivFestival

By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a