The "Cardo" Hotel (formerly Sheraton Rogier) served as the setting on January 14th for the official launch of the Belgium-Africa Economic Mission (Meba) and the Royal Festival of Cultural, Educational, and Economic Blending (Massakunda). This large-scale Panafrican event took place in the presence of Guide Bamba El Hadj Mahamed Npahi Sâanwi, under the themes of cooperation, culture, and shared development. The event was organized by "L’Œil d’Humanité" in collaboration with "Light Group." Read below for the full details and objectives of this significant event.
African royalty and the diaspora united in the service of development.
Brussels, Wednesday, January 14, 2026 – The Hôtel Cardo (formerly Sheraton Rogier) hosted, on Wednesday evening, the official launch of the Belgium–Africa Economic Mission (MEBA) and the Royal Festival of Cultural, Educational and Economic Exchange MASSAKUNDA, a major pan-African event held under the banner of cooperation, culture, and shared development.
Organized by L’Œil d’Humanité, in collaboration with Light Group, the ceremony brought together authorities, strategic partners, economic stakeholders, members of the African diaspora, community leaders, and business figures, reflecting the growing interest in this structuring initiative between Africa and Europe.
An opening driven by humanism and a pan-African vision
The ceremony was opened by Mr. Habimana Jean Paul, President of L’Œil d’Humanité, who recalled the meaning and scope of the MEBA–MASSAKUNDA initiative: to create a sustainable framework for dialogue, exchanges, and partnerships between Belgium, Europe, and Africa, placing human values, culture, and the economy at the heart of the development process.
He then introduced His Majesty King Guide BAMBA El Hadj Mahamed Npahi Sâanwi, Supreme Leader of the United Kingdoms of Africa (UKAF), Forerunner of the African Renaissance and African Royalty of Mali, King of Mali, Initiator and Moral Authority of MASSAKUNDA, and President of the ceremony.
The Royal Vision of MEBA–MASSAKUNDA
His Majesty King Guide Bamba El Hadj Mahamed Npahi Saanwi, Supreme Head of the United Kingdoms of Africa (UKAF), Precursor of the African Renaissance and the Royalty of MALI.
Initiator and Moral Authority of 'Massakunda'—African Royalty at the service of the people—seated in the center and surrounded by prominent figures from various backgrounds."
In his address, His Majesty delivered a strong, structured, and mobilizing vision of the MEBA–MASSAKUNDA project. He emphasized the central role of African royalty in the service of the people, the historical responsibility of the African diaspora and Afro-descendants, and the necessity of building strong and lasting bridges between Africa and Europe.
His Majesty highlighted culture as a lever for sustainable development, peace, and social cohesion, while also underscoring the importance of education, value transmission, and living together. He presented the Royal City of ALKEBULAN, a strategic hub for cultural, educational, and economic renaissance to be built in the near future in Dogoni, Kénédougou, Mali, as well as the Royal MASSAKUNDA Summit, structured around five major pillars: education, culture, leadership, social cohesion, and human development.
The exhibition component will be held on a permanent basis in a museum setting, showcasing African craftsmanship, African gastronomy, and African businesses targeting the European market and the diaspora. Networking and B2B meetings will also be key features, fostering concrete business partnerships.
Presentation of the MASSAKUNDA Europe Program
The organizational aspects were presented by Mrs. Moukendy Bernadette, in charge of the MASSAKUNDA component, who outlined the program of the Royal Day of Cultural, Educational, and Economic Exchange, scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Brussels.
She highlighted the main components of the event, including:
- MEBA thematic panels and conferences;
- the MASSAKUNDA Gallery and exhibition stands;
- the Artisanal, Industrial, and Gastronomic Village;
- the Royal MASSAKUNDA Parade;
- the Akan Awards, the Africanity Prize, and the Royal and Honorary MASSAKUNDA Distinction;
- the Queen Awoulaba Competition – Europe Zone;
- the Royal Gala Evening, the highlight of the festivities.
A Strategic Meeting Point Between Africa and Its Diaspora
MEBA–MASSAKUNDA positions itself as a pan-African platform for convergence, bringing together administrative and customary authorities, economic operators, artists, artisans, academics, and diaspora communities, in a spirit of humanism, mutual respect, and sustainable cooperation.
The presence of strategic partners and numerous business leaders at the launch confirms the economic, cultural, and symbolic potential of this initiative, which aims to strengthen Africa’s image, stimulate investment, and encourage the strategic return of skills to the continent.
Scheduled to take place from March 23 to 28, 2026, in Brussels, MEBA–MASSAKUNDA is shaping up to be a major highlight of the pan-African calendar in Europe, placing the African diaspora at the heart of development, peace, and living together.
L'Afrique en marche No 1095
