Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
AFRICA is set to commemorate 63 years since the formation of the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), amid growing calls for stronger economic integration, sustainable development and youth empowerment across the continent.
Africa Day, commemorated annually on May 25, marks the founding of the OAU in 1963, which spearheaded the continent’s liberation struggle and laid the foundation for regional cooperation among African states.
As preparations for this year’s commemorations gather momentum, the Dean of African Ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe, His Excellency James Musoni, says the continent must now focus on translating unity into tangible socio-economic benefits for its citizens.
Speaking in an interview with ZBC News, Ambassador Musoni, who is also Rwanda’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe said this year’s Africa Day theme on water and sanitation speaks directly to Africa’s developmental priorities.
“If you refer to this year’s theme, which focuses on water and sanitation, it is directly linked to communities. Whatever we seek to achieve as Africans must ultimately benefit our communities, but they cannot benefit if they are not actively participating,” he said.
Ambassador Musoni stressed the importance of creating enabling environments that empower communities and young people to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“For communities and youths to participate effectively, policymakers must create conditions that allow them to thrive and contribute productively,” he noted.
He also raised concern over increasing migration by African youths in search of better opportunities abroad, saying the continent must urgently create employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.
“We continue to witness many young Africans risking their lives through migration, including dangerous crossings of the Mediterranean, because of limited opportunities at home. Governments, the private sector and other stakeholders must work together to create jobs and investment opportunities that will allow our youths to build prosperous futures within Africa,” Ambassador Musoni said.
This year’s Africa Day commemorations come at a time when the continent is intensifying efforts to strengthen its voice on global issues, including peace and security, governance, economic development and regional integration.
African countries are also increasingly pushing for enhanced cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is expected to accelerate intra-African trade and economic transformation across the continent.
