Africa Week 2026: a week of dialogue, culture and community in Helsinki
From 18 to 25 May 2026, AFAES brought Africa Week back to Helsinki: eight days of dialogue, learning, business, culture and celebration, ending with Africa Day on 25 May.
Why Africa Day?
Africa Day is celebrated every year on 25 May. It started in 1963, when leaders from 32 African countries met in Addis Ababa and created the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The OAU was created to support independence movements and help African countries work together. At the time, many countries were still under colonial rule, and the organisation played an important role in helping them gain independence and improve people's lives.
In 2002, the OAU became the African Union. The AU continues this work today by focusing on economic growth, human rights, and cooperation between African countries and the rest of the world. Africa Day is a way to remember this history and celebrate unity, progress, and the shared future of African countries.
AFAES and Africa Week
AFAES began organising Africa Day celebrations about 14 years ago, creating a platform to promote African culture, unity and awareness in Finland. Over the years the celebration has grown in size and impact. In the past two years AFAES has expanded it into a full Africa Week, with workshops, discussions and community gatherings, and the week still concludes with the internationally recognised Africa Day. This reflects AFAES's ongoing commitment to promoting African heritage, fostering unity and building stronger community connections in Finland.
The programme
Monday 18 May, African Voices in Finland 2026 (13.00-16.00, Think Company Viikki, Latokartanonkaari 3, Helsinki). The official opening of Africa Week 2026 and an independent public dialogue forum, "Community Dialogue on Work, Families and Community Recognition", moderated by Pascal Nsai. It brought together African communities, youth, parents, community leaders, city actors, public institutions and civil society partners. The forum creates a space where participation, being heard and cooperation are not symbolic but form the core of the event, combining moderated discussions, audience engagement, lived experiences and a written summary produced after the event. African Voices is not just a panel discussion: it is a platform for continued dialogue, new partnerships and future development work.
Tuesday 19 May, African Cooking Workshop for Youth (16.00-19.00, Saladmaster Finland, Retkeilijänkatu 7 B 1, Helsinki). Learn the skills, feel the pride: one step, one meal, one choice, one voice.
Wednesday 20 May, Women in Leadership. Opening panel "Opportunities for African Entrepreneurs in Finland", the workshop "Starting a Business in Finland: Practical Guide for Immigrants", the panel "Success Stories: African Businesses in Finland", and a speed networking and matchmaking session.
Thursday 21 May, Racism, Exclusion and AI in Social Work: Training for Social Workers and NGO Professionals (11.00-14.00, AFAES Office, Pulttitie 16 A 32, Helsinki). A conversation on how racism, exclusion and artificial intelligence affect social work in Finland today. The same day, Integration and Multiculturalism: The Moroccan Experience in Finland (17.00-19.00, International School of Vantaa, Hagelstamintie 1, Vantaa).
Thursday 21 May also included the Anti-Racism Training Workshop: Building Inclusive Communities, a four-hour interactive workshop for civil society actors, community leaders and individuals facing discrimination. It offers a safe space to understand different forms of racism, share experiences, reflect on biases and gain practical tools to respond to discrimination while promoting inclusion and equality in communities.
Friday 22 May, African Business and Entrepreneurship Day, with the Networking and Collaboration Workshop for African Women (from 17.00, AFAES Office, Pulttitie 16 A 32, Helsinki).
Saturday 23 May, African Cultural Fair. Youth and Parent Engagement Day: Community Dialogue on Young People's Future (15.00-18.00, Ruoholahti Youth House, Messitytönkatu 4, Helsinki), with the panel "Supporting African Youth in the Finnish Education System", the workshop "Multicultural Parenting in Finland", the youth panel "Building Bridges Between Cultures" and the interactive session "Celebrating Our Roots". Also on the 23rd, Tastes That Unite: African and Finland-Swedish Cooking Workshop (11.00, 14.00 and 18.00, Iso Roobertinkatu 23, Helsinki).
Monday 25 May, Africa Day Gala (17.00, Museum of Technology, Energy Hall, Viikinkaari 1 B, Helsinki). A celebration of African culture featuring music, art and networking opportunities, with international guests. Invite only.
Thank you to everyone who took part, spoke, volunteered and partnered with us. See the full programme on our Events page.
