Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
AFRICAN nations are commemorating Africa Day, marking 63 years since the formation of the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963.
The commemorations celebrate Africa’s liberation journey, unity, cultural diversity and development aspirations under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 framework.
This year’s celebrations are placing renewed emphasis on water and sanitation, mineral beneficiation, intra-African trade and peace-building as key pillars towards achieving “The Africa We Want”.
Across the continent, cultural exhibitions, music and traditional performances are taking centre stage as Africans reflect on a shared history shaped by resilience, unity and the struggle against colonialism and oppression.
It was on this day in 1963 that African leaders established the Organisation of African Unity to champion liberation, sovereignty and solidarity among African states.
Today, under the African Union banner, member states continue to pursue economic integration, industrialisation and sustainable development while working towards eliminating conflict and advancing the goal of silencing the guns across the continent.
At the African Union Leaders’ Summit held in February this year in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, African leaders underscored the importance of water and sanitation in driving industrialisation, improving livelihoods and strengthening sustainable development across member states.
Diplomats say access to clean water and improved sanitation systems remains critical in achieving Agenda 2063 aspirations and building resilient communities.
Africa’s vast mineral wealth also remains central to discussions on economic transformation, with growing calls for value addition and beneficiation to ensure the continent derives maximum benefit from its natural resources.
In recent months, countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola have introduced measures restricting the export of raw minerals in a bid to promote local processing, industrialisation and employment creation — a move that has received widespread support across the continent.
As Africa marks another milestone in its developmental journey, leaders and diplomats continue to emphasise the importance of peace, regional integration and increased intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
They say ending conflicts, strengthening economic cooperation and empowering African economies remain essential in building a prosperous, peaceful and self-sufficient continent by 2063.
As the continent commemorates Africa Day, the vision remains clear, an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its own citizens and taking its rightful place on the global stage.
