African Cultural Exchange International Festival · Pittsburgh

Keeping African culture alive, an ocean from home.

A yearly celebration in Downtown Pittsburgh that promotes and preserves African heritage for the diaspora — and turns every gathering into charity back home in Africa.

Sunset silhouette at the AFCEI Festival
Market Square, Pittsburgh Free family entry Every gathering funds charity
Since 2014
CultureArtsMusicDanceTraditional MealsAttireMarketplace
Our mission

Promoting and preserving African culture, together.

Many Africans have migrated and now live beyond the shores of the continent. The AFCEI Festival exists to keep that heritage alive — celebrating music, dance, traditional meals, attire and craft so the next generation grows up knowing exactly where they come from.

Proudly sponsored by the Survival Home of Nigeria Charity Organisation, Inc. USA.

10+ yrs
Celebrating heritage
40+
Nations represented
100%
Proceeds to charity
Illustrated map of Africa
What drives us
Vision

To inspire a world where African culture is celebrated, preserved, and embraced across generations and borders.

Mission

To connect people through authentic African cultural experiences that preserve heritage, promote unity, and foster global appreciation of Africa’s diverse traditions.

The Experiences

A constellation of things to feel, taste and hear.

Drumming
Live rhythm

Drum & Dance

Djembe circles, live bands and the sunset dance showcase.

Marketplace
Marketplace

Artisan Row

Vendors displaying African crafts, designs and attire.

Masks and art
Masks & art

Masquerade

Storytelling, carving demos and a living gallery of masks.

Community
Together

Community & Awards

Processions, recognition awards and a family gathering.

The Program

Three days, one continuous rhythm.

Festival lookbook
Main stage
Sunset headline set closes every night at 8:00 PM.
See how it gives back
The heart of it all

Operation Feed the Masses

Proceeds from the festival go straight to charity back home in Africa. The Survival Home of Nigeria Charity Organisation is tackling hunger and food insecurity — providing meals and essential supplies to vulnerable communities so that no one is left behind.

🍞

Food for the poor

Buying foodstuff and distributing meals to families facing economic hardship.

🏥

Hospital bills

Covering medical costs for those who cannot afford urgent care and treatment.

Medical outreaches

Community health outreaches bringing care directly to those who need it most.

Individuals, corporates and philanthropists — join in.
Every contribution goes directly toward feeding communities in Nigeria.
Looking ahead · A lasting legacy

Prototype of the proposed AFCEI hospital.

Beyond feeding and healing today, the vision reaches further — a permanent hospital back home in Africa, so that care outlives any single outreach. Below is the architect’s prototype of the proposed facility, drawn closer with every gathering and every gift.

Architect's rendering of the proposed AFCEI hospital
Proposed Architect’s prototype · concept rendering
On the ground

Medical outreaches, bringing care to the doorstep.

Trained nurses and volunteers take screenings, medicines and consultations directly into communities — checking blood pressure, dispensing essential drugs and reaching families who would otherwise go without. This is where the festival’s proceeds become real.

Nurse dispensing medicine at a community outreach
A nurse recording a patient's details
A volunteer checking a patient's blood pressure
Portrait of the AFCEI Festival Director
A word from our director
“Every drum we play and every meal we share carries someone home. When we celebrate our culture here in Pittsburgh, we heal a life back in Africa — that is the heart of AFCEI.”
Rev Bathram Okere
Director & Founder · Survival Home of Nigeria Charity Organisation, Inc. USA
Get involved

Perform, sell, volunteer — or simply come and celebrate.

Join the mailing list for artisan applications, performer slots, volunteer shifts and the full line-up. Or call us any time on 412 450-7018.

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