Models showing off the African themed creations of Solitha Shortte, a designer from Canada, at the gala night / All Photos: Femi Awoniyi

Africa glows in Dortmund

AfricanTide Union hosted a commemoration of the Africa Day on 24-25 May in the western German city of Dortmund.

This year marks 56 years since the day was conceived in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia at the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now African Union). It is celebrated annually on the 25th of May.

 

The theme of the event in Dortmund was “Boosting Africa’s Development” and it featured conferences and workshops on various subjects surrounding the issue of economic development.

The 2-day event was rounded up with a gala night, featuring a business dinner and a fashion show. Solitha Shortte, a designer from Canada who held a workshop for young aspiring models during the event, entertained and inspired with her African themed creations.

The team of AfricanTide Union, organisers of the event, receiving the applause of participants at the gala night for, once more, putting together a successful Africa Day commemoration in Dortmund / Photo: Femi Awoniyi

 

The fashion show was a different kind of catwalk. The models, dancing to the Afrobeat music of Wizkid, Davido and Yemi Alade, offer different perspectives to their beautiful dresses. And there was plenty of live music courtesy of a band as well.

The prestigious venue, the event hall of the German Football Museum glowed, enhanced by the colourful dresses of the attendees.

Dr. RosaLyn Dressmann, chairman of AfricanTide Union, addresses the ceremony / Photo: Femi Awoniyi

 

It was a fitting climax to two days of serious brainstorming over challenges to Africa’s development, giving the participants the opportunity to unwind.

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The evening also offered the ideal opportunity for participants to network and explore prospective collaborations.

AfricanTide Union can pat itself on the back for another very successful celebration of the African Union Day in Dortmund, the seventh time in a row. Kudos also to the City of Dortmund administration and the management of the German Football Museum for supporting the event.

Femi Awoniyi

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