The Cultural Day on day four brought together artists, ministers, intellectuals, and diaspora representatives around a central theme: “Traditions, arts, heritage, and African identities.”
Minister Isaac TCHIAKPE launched the Lomé Initiative for Pan-African Cultural Cooperation, while voices from Cuba, Brazil, and French Guiana reaffirmed the unbreakable bonds between Africa and its diaspora.
🎭 Culture: A Strategic Lever for Sovereignty
Minister Isaac TCHIAKPE opened the day with a clear conviction: “Culture is not a mere accessory. It is an instrument of sovereignty, of cohesion for the great African family, and of reclaiming our narrative.”
The Lomé Initiative offers a concrete framework for Pan-African cultural cooperation, structured around four major pillars: interministerial cooperation, cultural diplomacy, support for creation, and heritage digitization.
This day also celebrated the Africa-Diaspora unity through vibrant testimonies from Cuba, Brazil, and French Guiana.
103 M
Afro-Brazilians
in the diaspora
40+
languages spoken
in French Guiana
🏛️ THE LOMÉ INITIATIVE — The 4 Strategic Pillars
MINISTER OF ARTS, CULTURE AND TOURISM
Mr. Isaac TCHIAKPE — Togo
The Minister presented the Lomé Initiative for Pan-African Cultural Cooperation, structured around four pillars: a cooperation framework between African ministries, strengthening cultural diplomacy, support for creation and the cultural economy, and a comprehensive program for digitizing African heritage.
” Our culture must no longer just be celebrated. It must be organized, protected, funded, and projected. “
🎯 The 4 Pillars of the Lomé Initiative
1
Interministerial Cooperation
Co-productions, tours, artist residencies, expertise exchanges between African countries
2
Cultural Diplomacy
Pan-African working group, heritage restitution, fight against illicit trafficking
3
Creation & Cultural Economy
Public-private mechanism, diaspora-continent residencies, young talent incubation
4
Digitization & Transmission
Archives, documentaries, educational content, AI monitoring to protect intangible heritage
🌍 VOICES OF THE DIASPORA — Africa at the Heart of the World
CUBA 🇨🇺
Omar Valino
Director of the National Library of Cuba
Mr. Valino delivered a fraternal message from Cuba to “Mother Africa,” recalling that African heritage has profoundly shaped Cuban identity. He announced several major events for 2025-2026: the 3rd International Gathering on Racism (Matanzas, 2026), the 46th Edition of the Carifesta, and an International Conference Against Racism.
” Africa is the center of the world. Cuba will continue to walk alongside the continent in all its struggles. “
BRAZIL 🇧🇷
Jorge Rodrigues Santos
President of the Palmares Foundation
The representative of the Brazilian Minister of Culture recalled that Brazil has 103 million Afro-descendants, constituting one of the largest African diasporas. President Lula’s government has launched new policies for reparation, inclusion, and development. He calls for creating an institution dedicated to dialogue with the African Union.
” Here, in Africa, we are home. This is our land, this is our house. “
FRENCH GUIANA 🇬🇫
Davy Rimane
Member of Parliament for French Guiana
The MP presented the cultural richness of French Guiana with its three founding cultures: the indigenous Amerindian peoples, the Creoles with African roots, and the Bushinengue who have preserved their African authenticity. With over 40 languages spoken, French Guiana embodies the diversity of the African diaspora in South America.
” Our sons and daughters must never forget the continent, their land of origin. “
🎤 TESTIMONY — The Voice of Artists
ARTIST
Blade Ali Mbaye
Rapper, storyteller, and comedian
Franck Alimbaille Babel, grandson of Senegalese tirailleurs, born in Le Havre, Normandy, delivered a poignant testimony about his identity quest. From discovering racism in primary school to the revelation of Aimé Césaire and his Discourse on Colonialism, he traced his journey toward Africanity, passing through the Caribbean to find his roots.
” Let us not conclude: let us dream instead. The history of the world is not finished. “
🎭 The Message of This Cultural Day
African culture is a lever for sovereignty.
The Lomé Initiative paves the way for concrete cooperation.
Africa and the Diaspora share the same history,
the same memory, the same future to build together.
📌 Key Takeaways
- The Lomé Initiative for Pan-African cultural cooperation is launched
- 4 strategic pillars: cooperation, diplomacy, creation, digitization
- Cuba announces 3 major events against racism in 2025-2026
- Brazil has 103 million engaged Afro-descendants
- French Guiana embodies diversity with 40+ languages and 3 founding cultures
- Culture must be organized, protected, funded, and projected
- Lomé becomes the place where Africa speaks and decides for itself
📅 Events Announced by the Diaspora
2026 — 3rd International Gathering on Racism (University of Matanzas, Cuba)
July 2026 — 46th Edition of Carifesta with a Forum dedicated to the African diaspora
Late 2026 — International Conference Against Racism (Cuba)
📣 Stay Connected
🌍 Official website: https://pac9-lome2024.com