The Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Neale Richmond TD, has announced the nationwide programme of events for Africa Day 2026.

This year’s Africa Day Waterford takes place on Saturday, May 30th in O’Connell Street, in the heart of Waterford’s Cultural Quarter from 11am to 5pm.

The day will be marked by a whole host of African Irish cultural events as well as family fun, fashion, art, film, music, dance and food events.  There will be plenty to enjoy and experience for all ages, including live music and DJs, street food markets, Nore Valley Petting Farm, African craft markets, a pop-up Library, Playful Streets, facepainting, Wobbly Circus, Southeast Craft Workshop, and much more.

Minister Neale Richmond said, “Africa Day is an opportunity to promote the growing trade, political and cultural links between Ireland and countries across Africa. The potential for this relationship over the coming years is enormous. Trade between Ireland and countries across Africa stands at approximately €9 billion annually and is growing all the time. Ireland’s agri-food exports to Africa alone rose by 9% last year and are now worth almost €1 billion annually.

“Africa Day marks these growing connections between Ireland and countries across Africa. It celebrates the impact people in Ireland have had across Africa as well as the huge contribution people with African heritage make to our cities, towns and villages each and every day. I’m delighted to see so many of our local authorities host events across the country to help build knowledge and celebrate our links and its potential in the years ahead.”

You’ll find all the details of Africa Day events taking place throughout the country at www.AfricaDay.ie

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