In a landmark collaboration, the Mano River Union (MRU) and XL Entertainment have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Mano River Week (MRW), a regional platform aimed at promoting cultural identity, economic collaboration, and creative integration across West Africa.

The MoU, concluded at the MRU Secretariat in Freetown, marks a milestone partnership between the sub‑region’s leading intergovernmental body and one of West Africa’s most dynamic creative economy enterprises. The initiative is designed to strengthen ties among Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, using arts, culture, and innovation as drivers of unity and sustainable development.

Under the agreement, XL Entertainment will serve as the official creative and implementation partner, responsible for curating and managing MRW’s cultural programs, media outreach, and digital ecosystem. The week‑long event will feature regional music, film, fashion, and storytelling, while creating opportunities for youth, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals.

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Ambassador Simeon M. B. Moribah, Secretary‑General of the MRU, emphasized the significance of the collaboration. “The Mano River Week represents more than a celebration; it is a statement of unity. By partnering with XL Entertainment, we are placing culture, creativity, and communication at the center of regional cooperation,” he said.

Zubin Cooper, CEO of XL Entertainment, highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership. “This collaboration is about storytelling, shared purpose, and building a regional identity that young people can be proud of. The Mano River Week will shine a spotlight on the possibilities of the Mano River region  from music and media to tourism, innovation, and enterprise,” he stated.

The inaugural Mano River Week will feature cultural showcases, youth and policy dialogues, competitions, film screenings, documentary premieres, and a creative industries expo. Sustainability and climate-focused initiatives will also be integrated, aligning with the MRU’s commitments to peace, prosperity, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Observers say the initiative positions the MRU as a continental leader in creative diplomacy, demonstrating how arts and media can bridge borders, stimulate economic growth, and inspire collective progress. Analysts note that embedding cultural industries into regional policy frameworks signals a shift toward inclusive development strategies that prioritize youth and innovation.

Civil society groups have welcomed the move, noting that cultural diplomacy can reinforce social cohesion in a region historically challenged by conflict and economic disparity. “Investing in creativity is investing in peace,” said a cultural advocate in Freetown. “It gives communities a shared platform to celebrate identity while building economic resilience.”

Established in 1973 to promote peace and economic integration among its member states, the MRU has traditionally focused on governance and trade. The launch of Mano River Week reflects a broader vision to harness soft power and creative industries as tools for regional transformation. For XL Entertainment, the partnership extends its mission to amplify African stories and talent while driving social and economic impact through art and innovation.

Preparations are underway, with high expectations that Mano River Week will become a flagship event for the region celebrating culture, strengthening integration, and fostering enterprise and collective identity across West Africa.