Lagos: No fewer than 20,000 foreign participants are set to converge on the Benin Republic for the Festival International des Arts du Bénin (FInAB) in February 2026.
The figure highlights the rising international appeal of the annual cultural showcase in Cotonou, Benin.
The disclosure was made in Lagos on Thursday during a media briefing on Nigeria’s participation in the fourth edition of the festival.
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 highlight the country’s cultural, culinary, and creative industries.
Mr Kareem Balogun, official consultant, said organisers reserved a day for Nigeria to showcase its creativity, deepening cultural and economic ties with Benin.
He said the gesture would further deepen cultural diplomacy and strengthen economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Balogun stated that Nigeria would be represented at the festival to highlight the country’s creative strengths.
He expressed gratitude to the Government of Benin and Mr Ulrich Adjovi, President of Empire Group and FInAB, for the prominent inclusion of Nigeria.
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 showcase 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.
She added that the festival serves as a meeting place for artists and entrepreneurs, where tradition meets the modern economy.
She said that since its launch in 2023, FinAB had supported over 500 local and international artists.
According to her, the festival has also stimulated the local economy through exhibitions, trade fairs, and increased tourism.
Francis said the 2026 edition would place special emphasis on fashion, reflecting the sector’s expanding continental relevance.
A full day is dedicated to celebrating Nigeria’s arts and culture, recognising it as a custodian of African culture.
She noted that a dedicated day for Nigeria highlights the nation’s position as a key cultural and artistic leader in Africa.
Nigeria Day will feature performances, culinary showcases, fashion, dance, drama, and other expressions of Nigerian heritage.
According to her, FinAB provides a global platform for emerging talent that lacks 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 revealed that approximately 15,000 international visitors attended the 2025 festival.
Organisers are projecting an increase in attendance for 2026, exceeding the 15,000 international visitors at the 2025 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 in 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 reiterated their commitment to providing seamless logistics and strong Nigerian representation at the event.
Further reports that FinAB is organised annually by Empire Group in Benin.
The festival brings together artists, cultural practitioners, entrepreneurs and tourists from Africa and other parts of the world.