Cultural Hangout Festival (CHF) and IAACCF Canada Ink Historic Pact to Amplify African Arts

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Victor Aihawu 

The Cultural Hangout Festival (CHF) and the International African Arts, Crafts & Culture Fair (IAACCF), Canada, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote African heritage on a global scale. 

The strategic partnership, formalized on Monday, March 30, 2026, aims to create a unified ecosystem for African creatives, linking local talent from the continent directly with the vast opportunities available within the North American and European diaspora.

The collaboration between the Nigeria-UK based CHF and the Canada-based IAACCF represents a significant step in cultural diplomacy. By combining their networks, both organizations seek to increase the visibility of African cultural expressions and foster economic development through the arts.

The partnership will focus on several high-impact areas, including: Joint Promotion: Co-branding and marketing of major cultural initiatives. Talent Exchange: Creating pathways for African vendors and artists to showcase at international fairs. Youth Education: Implementing heritage awareness programs for the next generation. Capacity Building: Training in cultural entrepreneurship to help creatives monetize their craft globally.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Aihawu Victor, the Founder and CEO of the Cultural Hangout Festival, emphasized that the alliance transcends mere event planning.

“This partnership is about more than events it is about building meaningful connections between Africa and the diaspora through culture,” Victor stated. “We are creating platforms where stories are shared, opportunities are created, and identity is celebrated on a global stage.”

Aihawu Victor, a seasoned migration and development expert, has long championed culture as the "missing link" in migration discourse, positioning CHF as a movement that restores dignity and identity to migrants.

Echoing this sentiment, Randa Adjare, the Founder and CEO of IAACCF Canada, highlighted the importance of collective action in the international arena.

“By working together, we are strengthening the global presence of African arts and crafts while creating more opportunities for creatives to thrive beyond borders,” Adjare noted. 

As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a graduate of the York Entrepreneur Development Institute, Adjare brings a structured, growth-oriented approach to the partnership, ensuring that African artisans can access sustainable market models in Canada and beyond.

The MoU introduces a structured framework for cross-event participation. This means that artists, fashion designers, and craftspeople from the CHF network in Nigeria and the UK will have streamlined access to IAACCF exhibitions in Toronto and Edmonton. Similarly, Canadian-based African creatives will have a stronger platform during CHF’s flagship events in London and Abuja.

The partnership also hints at co-hosted global events in 2027, further positioning African culture as a key player in the multi-billion dollar global creative economy.

Cultural Hangout Festival (CHF): An international engagement platform organized by Africa Multicultural & Heritage Promotion Ltd (AMHP). It focuses on reconnecting individuals with their roots through music, fashion, and storytelling.

IAACCF Canada: A premier platform dedicated to showcasing African craftsmanship and heritage through large-scale exhibitions and international trade engagement.