• Benin to host first Cotonou Comedy Festival from December 1-6, 2025

• Event includes performances, masterclasses, and global comedian participation

• Festival aims to boost cultural economy, visibility, and youth employment
  

The government of Benin unveiled plans on Thursday, November 6, for the inaugural Cotonou Comedy Festival, scheduled to run from December 1 to 6. Organized by the Agency for the Development of Arts and Culture (ADAC) in partnership with Jokenation Group, the event will bring together comedians from Benin, Africa, and around the world.

The six-day program includes masterclasses and roundtables at the French Institute of Benin (December 1-2), as well as gala evenings and international performances at the Sofitel Marina Dome and the Palais des Congrès (December 4-6). A “Village of Laughter” will also be set up, offering performances, after-shows, live music, and street food.

ADAC and Jokenation Group, which manages seven global festivals, are combining in-person events with a strong digital presence. William Codjo, Director General of ADAC, said the Cotonou Comedy Festival aims to provide African comedians with a genuine platform for networking, visibility, and career development.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote Benin’s cultural and creative economy. By focusing on the creative sector, Benin seeks to stimulate cultural employment, enhance its tourism appeal, and strengthen its reputation across Africa and internationally. Jokenation Group, with 8 million subscribers and more than 500 million annual video views, offers significant international exposure.

The festival capitalizes on the global boom in comedy, fueled by social media and events such as the Montreux Comedy Festival in Switzerland and the Busan Comedy Festival in South Korea. This aligns with Benin’s cultural ambitions: last April, the country signed an agreement with the Montreux Comedy Group to strengthen its cultural influence and develop comedy into a creative industry that generates economic opportunities for African youth.

Félicien Houindo Lokossou