Celebrate Africa Week in the Heart of DC
Prepare yourselves, Washington, D.C., for an electrifying journey into the heart of Africa! The inaugural Capital City Africa Week Festival is about to sweep through the city, promising an unforgettable experience filled with culture, business, and sports. Get ready to celebrate the richness and diversity of Africa like never before!















Hosted by the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D.C., the Ghana Tourism Authority, LIQUID SOUL-DC, Events DC, and D.C. United, this week-long extravaganza is set to dazzle and inspire. From October 9th to October 14th, the Capital City Africa Week Festival will transform our nation’s capital into a hub of African vibrancy, offering a captivating blend of cultural immersion, economic opportunity, and thrilling sports action.
At the heart of the festival lies the “Capital City Africa Cup,” a historic soccer showdown between Major League Soccer’s D.C. United and the champions of Ghana’s Premier League, Medeama SC. This epic match will take place on Friday, October 14th, at Audi Field, highlighting the unifying power of sports and the celebration of diaspora ties.
But that’s just the beginning! Here’s a sneak peek into the incredible events that await you during Capital City Africa Week:
Africa Week Opening Ceremony & Welcome Reception (Monday, October 9, 5 – 8 p.m. ET): This exclusive invitation-only event will kick off the festivities in style, setting the stage for a week of cultural exploration and collaboration.
Ghanaian Art Exhibition (Monday-Friday, October 9-13, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET): Immerse yourself in the world of Ghanaian art and fashion as talented artists and designers showcase their work, all available for purchase at the Public Welfare Foundation.
Travel & Tour Operators’ Forum (Tuesday, October 10, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. ET): Discover the beauty of Ghana through the eyes of fifteen tour operators as they share insights on promoting Ghana as a destination to the DMV region and vice versa. The forum takes place at the Ghana Embassy.
Ghana Village (Wednesday – Friday, October 11-13, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET): Explore a vibrant marketplace featuring Ghanaian vendors displaying an array of items for you to view and purchase. Don’t miss this chance to bring a piece of Ghana home!
Ghana Business Investment Forum (Wednesday, October 11, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET): Join experts at Howard University as they delve into the theme of “Empowering Growth: Unleashing opportunities in Ghana’s dynamic business landscape.” Explore investment opportunities in tourism, arts & culture, sports, and real estate & property development. Register to attend and unlock your potential!
Medeama FC and Howard University Soccer Team Clinic (Thursday, October 12, Time TBD): Witness the synergy of sports and culture as Howard University’s men’s and women’s teams train with Premier League Championship team, Medeama FC, right on the university’s soccer fields.
Return Conversations – The Business of Sports (Thursday, October 12, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. ET): Engage in a dynamic panel discussion about the power of sports for economic and social development, featuring esteemed guests such as Dr. Tony Aubynm, Ben Nunoo Mensah, and retired NBA player Pops Mensah-Bonsu. Moderated by Kuuku Yankah, this event takes place at Howard University.
Media Day (Friday, October 13, Time TBD): Be part of the excitement as Medeama FC and DC United coaches and players take the stage for a press conference at Audi Field.
Game Day at Audi Field (Saturday, October 14): The grand finale! Watch Medeama FC go head-to-head with D.C. United at 5:00 p.m. ET. Enjoy the Ghanaian art exhibition in the food court and stay for the post-game press conference featuring coaches and key players. Tickets are available now!

Danita Johnson
Danita Johnson is a groundbreaking leader in the sports industry, known for her historic role as the first Black President of an MLS (Major League Soccer) Club, D.C. United. With over 15 years of experience in sports, including roles in the WNBA, NBA, and NBA G League, she has made a lasting impact in revenue generation, community programs, and digital media and marketing. Johnson’s career highlights include introducing groundbreaking broadcast arrangements and launching impactful campaigns like the #WeAreWomen initiative. Her leadership has resulted in significant increases in ticket sales and attendance, making her a respected and influential figure in the world of sports. Beyond her professional achievements, Danita Johnson actively participates in organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and serves as a dedicated mentor in WISE (Women in Sports and Events). Her pioneering spirit and dedication to diversity and inclusion continue to inspire others in the sports industry.
Leading the charge for this extraordinary event are remarkable individuals who have made their mark in the world of sports and entertainment. D.C. United’s President of Business Operations, Danita Johnson, and the Managing Partner of LIQUID SOUL-DC, Paxton Baker, are available for interviews. Additionally, Ghana’s Ambassador to the U.S. may grace us with their presence, pending scheduling and travel arrangements.

Paxton Baker
Paxton Baker is a multifaceted figure with a remarkable career spanning over 30 years in the entertainment, sports, and philanthropy sectors. As a minority owner of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club and chairman of the Washington Nationals Founding Partners Group, he has left an indelible mark on the sports world. Additionally, Baker’s involvement in the Washington Kastles World Team Tennis League and the Global Sports Summit underscores his commitment to sports excellence. His impact extends into the entertainment industry, where he played a pivotal role in marketing and promoting blockbuster films like “Black Panther” and “Fast & Furious 6.” As the Managing Partner of Liquid Soul, Baker leads the expansion of this agency into new frontiers, including politics and entertainment. His vast experience includes leadership roles at BET, where he championed inclusive programming, produced award-winning television shows, and made significant contributions to the network’s success. Paxton Baker is not only a visionary but also an active participant in various professional, civic, and cultural organizations, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and influential leader.
The Capital City Africa Week Festival promises to be a whirlwind of culture, business, and sports, providing a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of Africa while discovering exciting investment and cultural exchange possibilities. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event that will celebrate the ties that bind us all.
Get ready to embark on an adventure into the heart of Africa, as we strive to bring you coverage from this awesome line-up of events!
Buckle up, Washington, D.C.! Capital City Africa Week Festival is about to take you on a thrilling journey across the continent. Join us in celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of Africa, and let’s make this inaugural festival an unforgettable experience!