About Arusha International Cultural Festival

Discover AIC Festival

Our Story

The Arusha International Cultural Festival is a celebration of Africa’s diverse cultural heritage, bringing together communities, artists, entrepreneurs, tourists and global partners in Arusha, Tanzania.

A Celebration Beyond Borders

AIC Festival was created to provide an international platform where cultural traditions, creative industries and tourism opportunities can connect. The festival showcases music, dance, art, food, fashion and cultural experiences while promoting sustainable development within the tourism ecosystem.

Hosted in Arusha, a city internationally recognised as a gateway to Tanzania’s natural and cultural attractions, the festival creates opportunities for cultural exchange, investment and collaboration among local and international stakeholders.

Our Mission

To promote cultural exchange, preserve heritage and create sustainable opportunities through tourism, creativity and innovation.

Our Vision

To become Africa’s leading international cultural festival connecting communities, cultures and global opportunities.

Our Purpose

Festival Objectives

AIC Festival is designed to create meaningful cultural, economic and social impact through collaboration, creativity and sustainable development.

Cultural Exchange

Bringing together diverse communities to celebrate traditions, languages, arts and cultural identity.

Tourism Promotion

Positioning Arusha as a leading cultural tourism destination connecting visitors with authentic experiences.

Business Networking

Creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and organisations to establish valuable partnerships.

Youth Empowerment

Supporting young creatives through skills development, innovation and participation in cultural industries.

Investment

Encouraging investment opportunities within tourism, hospitality, creative industries and local enterprises.

Sustainability

Promoting environmentally responsible practices that protect culture and natural resources for future generations.

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

The principles that guide AIC Festival in creating meaningful cultural experiences and sustainable partnerships.

Respect

Honouring diverse cultures, traditions and communities through mutual understanding and appreciation.

Innovation

Encouraging creativity, new ideas and modern approaches within culture and tourism.

Inclusivity

Creating a welcoming platform where everyone can participate regardless of background.

Heritage

Preserving and promoting cultural traditions for current and future generations.

Excellence

Delivering world-class experiences through professionalism, quality and commitment.

Partnership

Building strong collaborations between communities, organisations and international stakeholders.

Leadership & Coordination

Meet Our Team

The AIC Festival is coordinated by a dedicated team committed to cultural preservation, youth empowerment and sustainable tourism development.

Samora Edwin Mlowe

Executive Director

African Tabasamu Foundation (ATAFO)

Mawazo Chapaulinge Mataje

Head of Programs and Policy

African Tabasamu Foundation (ATAFO)

Programme Director

Festival Coordination

AIC Festival Management Team

Marketing Director

Communication & Promotion

AIC Festival Management Team

Finance Director

Financial Management

AIC Festival Management Team

Our Journey

AIC Festival Timeline

The Arusha International Cultural Festival is built from years of experience in empowering communities, promoting culture and connecting young people with economic opportunities.

2025

Crafting Change Project

African Tabasamu Foundation implemented the UNESCO-Alwaleed Philanthropies "Crafting Change" project titled Empowering Young Women through Arts and Culture.

2025

Binti Skills Initiative

The project integrated 60 young women into Arusha’s tourism value chain through arts, culture and creative skills development.

2026

AIC Festival Concept Development

Building on lessons from Binti Skills, ATAFO developed the vision of creating an international platform connecting culture, tourism, youth and investment opportunities.

2027

First Arusha International Cultural Festival

The inaugural AIC Festival will take place in Arusha during the last week of July 2027, bringing together artists, communities, tourism stakeholders and international partners.

Future

A Sustainable Annual Platform

AIC Festival aims to become a continuous annual event supporting cultural preservation, creative industries, youth empowerment and sustainable tourism development.

Collaboration

Our Partners

AIC Festival is built through strategic collaboration between cultural organizations, tourism stakeholders, government institutions, private sector partners and communities.

African Tabasamu Foundation

Lead organizer driving youth empowerment, arts, culture and sustainable development initiatives.

Don Bosco Tanzania

Strategic partner supporting skills development, youth empowerment and community engagement.

Tourism Stakeholders

Collaboration with tourism businesses, tour operators, lodges and cultural tourism enterprises.

Government Institutions

Engagement with institutions supporting tourism, culture, youth and economic development.

Creative Industry Partners

Supporting artists, performers, artisans and creative entrepreneurs from Tanzania and beyond.

International Organizations

Building global connections for cultural exchange, investment and sustainable partnerships.

Join AIC Festival 2027

Become Part of AIC Festival

Whether you are an artist, cultural organization, tourism stakeholder, investor or visitor, AIC Festival provides a platform to celebrate heritage, create opportunities and connect with the world.