Ghana–Zambia Fugu & Kente Exhibition Opens in Lusaka to Promote Culture, Trade and Pan-African Collaboration

The Ghana–Zambia Fugu and Kente Exhibition has officially opened at the Lusaka Showgrounds in Zambia, bringing together diplomats, government officials, designers, and cultural enthusiasts to celebrate African heritage while strengthening cultural and commercial ties between the two countries.

The exhibition, organised to showcase Ghana’s iconic textiles, Fugu and Kente, and Zambia’s traditional and cultural fashion, served as a platform to promote cultural diplomacy, deepen bilateral relations, and create new business opportunities within Africa’s growing creative economy.

Delivering the opening remarks, Ghana’s Ambassador to Zambia, H.E. Elizabeth Nyantakyi, welcomed guests and highlighted the importance of the exhibition in strengthening the longstanding friendship between Ghana and Zambia.

She noted that the event comes shortly after the successful State Visit of the President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, to Zambia at the invitation of President Hakainde Hichilema. The visit, she said, reaffirmed the strong bonds of solidarity between the two nations and resulted in agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, defence, health and diaspora engagement.

According to the Ambassador, culture remains a powerful instrument of diplomacy that brings people together beyond formal agreements.

“Diplomacy is not only conducted through official meetings and agreements; it is also expressed through culture, creativity, and the shared identity that unites us as Africans,” she stated.

She explained that the exhibition highlights two of Ghana’s most iconic traditional textiles, Fugu from Northern Ghana and Kente from the Ashanti and Volta regions, both of which embody centuries of artistic excellence and traditional knowledge passed down through generations of skilled artisans.

The Ambassador further encouraged guests to explore the exhibition and engage with designers and exhibitors to better understand the craftsmanship and cultural significance behind the fabrics.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Admin/Operations, Mr. Ambrose Edwin Nsarkoh, described the exhibition as more than a fashion display. According to him, the event represents a celebration of identity, heritage, enterprise, and Pan-African unity.

He noted that Fugu and Kente are not merely textiles but powerful cultural symbols deeply embedded in Ghana’s history and traditions. Fugu, also known as the African smock or Batakari, represents community craftsmanship and heritage rooted in Northern Ghana, while Kente, with its vibrant colours and intricate patterns, symbolizes royalty, philosophy, and the collective wisdom of generations.

Mr. Nsarkoh emphasized that beyond culture, the exhibition highlights the strong intersection between culture and commerce. He noted that the fashion and creative industries are among the fastest-growing sectors on the African continent, creating employment opportunities for youth and women while strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises.

“By promoting value-added textile products, we move beyond raw material exports toward higher-value creative goods that tell Africa’s story to the world,” he said.

He further indicated that although trade between Ghana and Zambia remains relatively modest, there are significant opportunities for growth in sectors such as textiles, creative arts, agribusiness, light manufacturing and services. With both countries being members of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), he stressed that deeper collaboration can help build stronger regional value chains and expand intra-African trade.

Mr. Nsarkoh also noted that the exhibition seeks to strengthen cultural diplomacy, foster business linkages among designers, investors and policymakers, and demonstrate that African products can compete globally when countries collaborate across the continent.

The Minister of Tourism for the Republic of Zambia, Honourable Rodney M. Sikumba, MP, who delivered an address, described the exhibition as a cultural dialogue that bridges borders and strengthens relations between Ghana and Zambia.

He noted that textiles such as Kente and Fugu represent more than fashion, as they embody identity, history and social values. Drawing parallels with Zambia’s own textile traditions, including the widely used Chitenge fabric, the Minister emphasized that African textiles are living archives of heritage and community identity.

Hon. Sikumba also highlighted the growing importance of cultural tourism and the creative industries in driving economic growth across the continent.

“Tourism today is no longer limited to landscapes and wildlife. It is increasingly driven by authentic cultural experiences, fashion, music, gastronomy, art and heritage,” he said.

He added that showcasing Ghanaian textiles in Lusaka creates opportunities for collaboration between designers, artisans and entrepreneurs from both countries, while positioning Africa’s creative economy as a major driver of innovation and global cultural influence.

The exhibition is expected to open doors for partnerships between Ghanaian and Zambian creatives, promote cross-border tourism, and encourage joint initiatives within the fashion and textile industries.

Participants were also encouraged to explore opportunities for creative exchange programmes, fashion showcases, skills transfer initiatives and regional market expansion under the AfCFTA framework.

As the exhibition unfolds, organisers expressed optimism that the event will mark the beginning of deeper cultural exchange, stronger business partnerships, and increased trade between the two nations.