Niger-Agadez: 17th Aïr Festival Opens in Iférouane

Niamey, December 3, 2025 - The 17th edition of the Aïr Festival was officially inaugurated in Iférouane, northern Niger, marking a major cultural milestone for the Sahel region. The event was opened by Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, His Excellency Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, and attracted participants from across the Sahel.

The ceremony saw the presence of several high-ranking regional officials, including the Prime Minister of Chad, the Burkinabe Prime Minister, and Mali’s Minister of Tourism representing their head of government. Their attendance highlights the festival’s growing regional significance.

Numerous civilian and military dignitaries were also in attendance, including members of Niger’s CNSP (National Committee for the Salvation of the People) and Major General Ibra Boulama Issa, Governor of the Agadez region. Local administrative and traditional authorities actively participated, adding to the event’s prestige and celebratory atmosphere.

This year’s Aïr Festival promises a rich showcase of cultural heritage, traditions, and artistic expression, reaffirming its status as a premier platform for celebrating the Sahel’s diverse cultural identity.