A delegation of 50 Gambian musicians, artists, artisans, fashion designers and officials have left Banjul for Algiers, Algeria to attend the 2nd  Pan African Cultural Festival slated for 5th to 20th July 2009.

The Gambia is among 53 African countries participating in this grand African cultural and artistic festival. The 2nd Pan-African Cultural Festival is a continental event meant particularly to highlight the historical and cultural relations between Algeria and Africa. Different artistic and literary activities will be presented under the theme "African Renaissance". In an era marked by globalization and the rapid development of information and communication technologies, the selected themes will go a long way in addressing Africa's stake in relation to the survival of its culture and identity.

The decision for the hosting of this second edition of the Festival in Algeria was taken by the  African Union during the meeting of African  Ministers of Culture held  in Nairobi (Kenya) in December 2005. It will be recalled that the first edition of the festival was also held in Algeria in 1969. The Gambian delegation is  led by the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Naomi Sanyang.