ABOUT US

About Africa Gala Vienna

Africa Gala Vienna (AGV) is driven by a dynamic collective of young African Diaspora professionals living in Vienna, Austria. Under the leadership of our Chair, Jack Mugoya, we are united by a shared commitment to bridge the gap between our heritage and our future. We exist to reshape the narrative surrounding our continent, moving beyond stereotypes to highlight Africa's resilience, creativity, and boundless potential. Our mission is to harness the unifying power of African culture to drive tangible, sustainable change. We are dedicated to supporting development initiatives that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on Quality Education (SDG 4) and Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17). We envision a world where the diaspora acts as a powerful catalyst for socio-economic growth, ensuring that our cultural celebrations in Vienna translate into concrete opportunities for children and communities back home.

Our Story: From a Gala to a Movement

The story of Africa Gala Vienna began in the summer of 2017, during a Kenyan night event in Vienna. A group of African Diaspora professionals sat with the Kenyan Ambassador to Austria, discussing a vision: a yearly event that would bridge the gap between the African diaspora, the diplomatic community, private businesses, and Austrian government officials. The goal was to create a tandem of cultures—African and Austrian—while simultaneously forging a forum to foster investment opportunities between the two continents. The Ambassador championed the idea with his colleagues in the Africa Group, who pledged their support. Thus, Africa Gala was born.

On the 9th of September 2017, this vision became reality with the first Africa Gala Vienna (AGV) event. It was a resounding success, attended by over 500 guests, including Ambassadors, government representatives, business leaders, and the vibrant diaspora community. The night was alive with African cuisine donated by various Embassies and electrifying live performances from Ugandan, Kenyan, and Congolese musicians.

A Platform for Development

Since that inaugural night, AGV has evolved far beyond a single annual event. It has transformed into a diaspora community-driven platform that actively connects businesses to investment opportunities in Africa and implements vital development projects. Today, we do not just celebrate culture; we use our network to drive sustainable growth, linking private sector innovation with public sector needs, and ensuring that the success of our community in Vienna translates into schools, infrastructure, and economic empowerment across Africa.