Event overview

The 14th Africa Expo Budapest successfully took place as a unique, four-day international event focusing on Africa, organized within the framework of the Travel Exhibition at the HUNGEXPO venue. The Expo featured 20 exhibitors representing a total of 20 African countries. The central exhibition area was located at Stand 212A in Pavilion A.

The event was organized by the Kultúrafrika Foundation and the Utazz Afrikába Travel Agency. The main program venue was the Ethiopian Airlines Africa Stage. The event was co-funded by the European Union, and it was implemented supported by the GEAR UP! project, in cooperation with the HAND Association.

February 20 – Official Opening Ceremony

The official opening of the 14th Africa Expo Budapest took place on February 20 between 13:00 and 13:30. The ceremony began with a Senegalese mbalax dance performance by Abdoul Camara (Ballet Camara), which set the tone for the formal program.

The official opening speech was delivered by Riadh Ferchichi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia in Budapest. In his address, he emphasized the importance of diplomatic and institutional relations, highlighting how strengthened cultural and economic cooperation can produce tangible results between Hungary and its African partners. Ms. Margarida Izata, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola accredited to Budapest, also welcomed the initiative and underlined her country’s growing tourism sector and emerging ambitions in the coffee industry.

The keynote address was delivered by Aurélie Gahimbare, CEO of Intercontact Services Burundi. Her presentation reflected the professional focus of the 3rd Hungary–Africa Week and emphasized the practical dimensions of partnership-building, including networking, cooperation and opportunities for business and community engagement from an African perspective.

The event was hosted by Dr. Ildikó Szilasi (Ildikó Hermina Szilasi, PhD), founder of the Africa Expo Budapest and founder and managing director of the Utazz Afrikába Travel Agency. In her opening remarks, she outlined the structure of the Expo, including the presence of exhibitors representing 20 African countries, the programs held on the Ethiopian Airlines Africa Stage and the Saturday cultural program curated and organized by the 3rd Hungary–Africa Week.

The opening ceremony continued with introductions of the exhibitors, followed by additional stage programs and closed professional discussions related to international development, including the HUMAN Café and a NEFE consultation for non-profit organizations working with Africa.

Thursday – High School Program

On Thursday, high school groups participated in an interactive session designed to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of Africa. The organizers received expressions of interest from 42 schools and ultimately seven high school classes attended the program.

Saturday – “THIS IS AFRICA!” Cultural Day (10:00–17:00)

On Saturday, between 10:00 and 17:00, the "THIS IS AFRICA!" Cultural Day was held under the organization of the 3rd Hungary–Africa Week. The morning began with live music by Afrikora Lamine, followed by a guided walk-through of the exhibition area to introduce visitors to the stands and exhibitors.

This was followed by an "African Flavors" tasting and spice experience and later a joint music and dance performance by Afrikora Lamine and Abdoul Camara.

At noon, Ethiopian Airlines and the Utazz Afrikába Travel Agency presented a joint travel session entitled "From Namibia to Madagascar", showcasing specific destinations across the continent. In the early afternoon, the Amazing Songs choir performed, followed by communal singing. A roundtable discussion on African education then took place, featuring representatives of the Afrika Másként Foundation, the Afrikáért Foundation, the Közel Afrikához Foundation, and the Taita Foundation.

The second half of the day included an Afro Tribe dance show and community dance session, a discussion titled "Life in Africa", a shared rhythm workshop with Ethnosound, a fashion show (Cristin’s Art, Hint of Africa, Tiger Eye) and concluded with live music.

Sunday – Ethiopian Airlines Africa Stage (10:00–15:20)

On Sunday, stage programs continued from 10:00 to 15:20. The day began with a screening of a photo and video compilation from the exhibitors, and Ballet Camara performed several African dance and drumming shows throughout the morning.

Ethiopian Airlines presented destinations in the Indian Ocean region through a visual presentation, highlighting Madagascar and Nosy Be, the Seychelles and Zanzibar.

During the day, thematic presentations were delivered by several organizations. The Afrika Másként Foundation presented "Hello, Adolescence!", the Eszter Burn Center shared insights from a medical mission in The Gambia and the Jane Goodall Institute introduced a Ugandan conservation initiative focusing on chimpanzees and the wildlife of Lake Bunyonyi.

In the afternoon, the fashion show "Nigeria Fashart Story – Born in Lagos" (IROKO Events International) took place. This was followed by the Utazz Afrikába Travel Agency presentation "New Routes in Africa", which outlined specific travel directions, including UNESCO World Heritage sites and the Sahara in Algeria and Senegal as well as safari routes across Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and Botswana.

Before the closing, Budapest Kizomba Connection (Vladimir and Nikolett) delivered a kizomba performance, after which the 14th Africa Expo concluded with a community dance.

The event is organized with the support of the Gear UP! project and in cooperation with the HAND Association

This event has been co-financed by the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of the Kultúrafrika Foundation and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.