By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
The second edition of the much-anticipated South West Cultural Festival has officially been launched, with activities set to unfold from December 12 to 14, 2025, in the regional capital of Buea, South West region of Cameroon.
Organised by the South West Chiefs’ Conference (SWECC), the festival promises to be a dynamic convergence of tradition, peacebuilding, and entrepreneurship under the theme: “Showcasing Cultural Identity and Consolidating Peace and Entrepreneurial Consciousness.”
The launch was marked by a press briefing held at the SWECC office recently, where SWECC President, Chief Dr. Mokube John, flanked by Public Relations Officer Chief Ebong Penda and other dignitaries, outlined the festival’s vision and purpose.
“We have drawn lessons from our first edition,” Chief Mokube stated. “This year, we’re committed to a more inclusive and better-organised festival that not only celebrates culture but also fosters community empowerment and social cohesion”.
A festival rooted in cultural identity
Reiterating the importance of cultural preservation, Chief Mokubeemphasised that the event is an opportunity for the people of the South West Region and Cameroon at large to reconnect with their roots. “All cultures of the South West are being invited to take an active part. From traditional music and dance to local cuisine and crafts, the festival will serve as a mirror of our rich heritage”, the SWECC President noted.
SWECC Public Relations Officer, Chief EbongPende furthered that, “There is this adage that a man without culture is like a tree without roots. Even if we were born in the city, our origins lie in our villages. This festival reminds us of that identity”.
As a symbol of its cultural significance, the festival will kick off with an evening of inter-religious activities, invoking blessings from both ancestral and divine sources. This will be followed by a day of vibrant cultural manifestations, including performances, exhibitions, and community interactions.
Promoting peace and unity
Beyond cultural celebration, the 2025 edition carries a strong message of peace. Amid ongoing peacebuilding efforts in the region, the festival is envisioned as a unifying platform to reinforce harmony among communities. “Peace is a prerequisite to development,” Chief Ebong Penda observed. “If we were not enjoying relative peace today, organising this kind of festival would not even be possible. It’s a reflection of our collective hope and resilience.”
The SWECC team underscored that as peace returns and normalcy spreads, the festival may in future rotate through the region’s divisions. But for now, Buea remains its symbolic and strategic host city.
Entrepreneurship at the heart of the festival
An innovative aspect of this year’s celebration is its focus on entrepreneurial consciousness. The organisers plan to host workshops and lectures from industry experts, aimed at empowering attendees especially youth and small business owners with practical knowledge. “Our goal is to show that a South-westerner can prosper where they are born,” said Chief Mokube. “We want to reduce unemployment and criminality by promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment through petty trade and innovation.”
The festival will feature displays of locally made products, cultural artifacts, and a business hub spotlighting regional entrepreneurs. One notable participant will be Mrs. Grace Ewang, the innovator behind EYASU fabric, who has been a vocal advocate for cultural entrepreneurship.
Government and community support
Representatives from the Regional Delegation of Arts and Culture expressed full government support for the initiative, noting its alignment with national policies to decentralise culture and boost local development.
SWECC President, Chief Mokube concluded the launch by calling on the media to serve as ambassadors of the festival: “We count on the press, not only to report but to spread the word, on the radio, in churches, at Njangi houses, and even at football fields. Let the whole region own this celebration.”
Looking ahead
With preparations underway, organisers are confident that the 2025 edition will exceed expectations. The festival stands not only as a tribute to the vibrant culture of the South West but also as a beacon of unity and progress.
From colorful traditional attire and cuisine to serious dialogue on peace and enterprise, the South West Cultural Festival 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark event on Cameroon’s cultural calendar.