Colorful Grand Fair and Bazaar showcasing African culture, fashion and music marks the Celebration of the African Union (AU) Day

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 9th September 2015: commemorative activities marking the African Union (AU) Day were organised by the AU Commission on the 9th of September 2015 at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Featuring amongst the activities were the African Unity Grand Fair and Bazaar bringing together Member countries of the Union, to showcase the rich African Cultural diversity.

Officially opening the event, the Commissioner for Trade and Industry, Mrs. Fatima Acyl, acknowledged the role played by the founding fathers in the liberation of the continent and recalled that their ideals of Africa’s freedom and independence remain the main principle in the organizational culture of the African Union. Commissioner Acyl highlighted that this day was celebrated within the context of Agenda 2063, the new continental framework aiming to ensure positive socio-economic transformation in Africa. “The African Unity Grand Fair and Bazaar therefore becomes a platform to promote African business in bringing together small businesses in Ethiopia and providing space for them to promote their products and interact”, she underlined.

In his opening remarks, Ethiopian Minister for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Amin AbdulKader, underscored the significance of this Bazaar saying it has many advantages for Ethiopia in Particular and Africa as a whole. “This event can be a great platform to promote our tourism products and services, cultural and natural attractions to various diplomats and potential tourists.it contributes highly to the building of positive image of Africa.” He said
“Africa has much to offer to the rest of the world because the continent has a long history and diverse cultures. The richness of these cultures are expressed through the daily life of the people such as traditional foods and drinks, music among others. This occasion will show us, far more about our beauty of diversity through a medium of culture”. He concluded.

Speaking on behalf of the African Union Staff Association, Mrs. Gebremedhin Azeb emphasized on the importance of the event, underlining that it provides opportunity for Staff and the participants to appreciate African Culture, music, unique culinary dishes and products.

The event brought the very best of African Culture in its entirety. This year people sampled the very best of African culture, with various stands specializing in handmade and bespoke goods, including jewelry, African wax prints, African literature, handmade clothing, natural beauty products, health remedies and African artifacts among others. The ongoing African Unity Grand Fair and Bazaar also displays variety of African cooked food. The Bazaar is open to AU staff and Embassies Officials until 12th September 2015.

The African Union Day celebrated every 9th September across the continent, finds its origins in the Sirte Declaration which was adopted on 9th September 1999 to establish the African Union.