The Africa Day 2016 (May 28/29) ended on Sunday in Hamburg with a positive result. Over 10,000 visitors came to the two-day intercultural event on the Wandsbeker market square.
"We are pleased that the Africa Day recorded a slight increase compared to the previous year and thus set a new attendance record for the fifth year", says Sylvaina Gerlich, President of the Integration Association IMIC e.V. and organizer of the "Africa Day 2016".
In predominantly sunny weather, Africans, Afro-Germans and Hamburgers, surrounded by a tent city with an open-air stage, celebrated a festival of African cultures, with vibrant music, rousing dance performances, exciting dialogues and exotic food. Under the auspices of District Director Thomas Ritzenhoff many prominent guests came, i.a. Minister of State Hon. Rashid Pelpuo and Hon. Comfort Ghansah from Ghana, First Vice-President of the Hamburg Parliament Dietrich Wersich, Royal Highnesses from Africa and well-known African artists like Nana Achampong, René Tenenjou and Thendiva (Lion King).
For the first time, the "Africa Day" this year was hosted by an "Africa Day Business Forum" at the Hamburg Grand Hotel Elysee under the patronage of Senator a.D. Ian Karan opens (May 26). Around 100 entrepreneurs and others. Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, Germany and Switzerland discussed investments in Africa and SME involvement.
"The networking was excellent and we know of concrete partnerships that are in preparation," says Sylvaina Gerlich. "It was important to us to bring together entrepreneurs and political decision-makers who create meaningful projects and joint ventures jobs in Africa and for migrants in Germany," said Frank Heinrich, Advisory Board of IMIC eV A likewise new offer for the Africa Day was the Cinema Evening (May 27): The film "The Cursed Ones" was screened at the Alambama Cinema (Kampnagel) on the distressing fate of African children suspected of witchcraft. A panel discussion and African rhythms provided an inspiring ending to the evening.