Detty December Emerges as Growth Engine for West African Leisure Economies

As the year draws to a close, cities across West Africa come alive — not just with festive spirit, but with significant economic energy. The seasonal phenomenon known as Detty December — a period of heightened celebrations, return‑home gatherings by diaspora communities, concerts, nightlife, and holiday tourism — continues to cement itself as a major driver of leisure‑economy growth in the region.

In 2024 the economic impact was especially pronounced in Lagos, where official figures show more than US$ 71.6 million was generated from tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors during the “Detty December” season. Hotels accounted for roughly US$ 44 million of that sum, while short‑let apartments contributed a further substantial portion.

The wave of demand extends beyond accommodation. Night clubs, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and transport services see huge surges in patronage as locals, returnees from the diaspora, and international visitors converge. Many businesses report that revenues for the December period rival or exceed what they earn in several quieter months combined.

For some businesses, the season is so profitable it shapes their entire year. “We expect this period to represent our biggest spike,” says one restaurateur preparing special themed events and enhanced service logistics ahead of the season.

More than mere nightlife, Detty December has become a showcase for cultural tourism, diaspora engagement, and creative‑economy vibrancy. From music concerts and fashion events to culinary festivals and arts exhibitions, the season highlights the rich social fabric and entrepreneurial resilience of West African entertainment economies.

But despite the energetic resurgence, the model faces growing strains. Recent economic headwinds — inflation, currency depreciation, rising costs of living — have begun to dampen spending power among local populations. As one report noted, rising food, transport, and accommodation expenses have made it difficult for many ordinary citizens to fully participate in festive indulgence this year.

At the same time, some market segments have begun to shift. Short‑let apartment providers, once a go-to option for visitors seeking convenience and affordability, are experiencing booking slowdowns as prices soar and demand fractures.

For West African economies, however, Detty December remains a powerful economic lever — especially if businesses and policymakers can harness its potential sustainably. Improving infrastructure, regulating accommodation and entertainment pricing, and ensuring that tourism growth also benefits local communities are critical to maintaining the festive season as a source of broad‑based economic value.

As 2025 unfolds, stakeholders across the region should treat Detty December not as a fleeting cultural trend, but as a recurring economic engine — one that underlines the importance of culture, diaspora connections, and entertainment as key components of economic recovery and growth in West Africa.