African Day is celebrated on May 25th of every year. It is a day set by the African Union to celebrate the successes of its preceding organization, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) which was formed on the same date 1n 1963.
It is also a day to celebrate African countries' independence and unity. Different countries engage in unique ways that make this day memorable. It is marked through speeches, parades, cultural music, or sporting events.
![]() |
Africa Day 2022 campaign. |
This year's International Africa Day was celebrated yesterday. The theme, according to the African Union theme for the year 2022, focused on the importance to address malnutrition and food insecurity in Africa. Different branches of the African Union like the African Union development agency, Auda-Nepad, led the celebrations online.
In her speech, Ms Nardos Bekele Thomas, AUDA-NEPAD Chief Executive Officer, reminded Africans of the Pan African goal of the OAU, now AU. She further called for the collective approach of African countries to achieve this year's goal of food security in Africa.
It was amazing to see how Africans embraced this day, the level of consciousness Among Africans is growing. The day was celebrated by most Africans expressing their African pride. Those who were not aware of this day may have also come across a post or more that inspired them to join their fellow Africans in the celebrations.
![]() |
Africa Day celebrations in Lagos. |
In the previous years, Africa Day was celebrated as Africa Freedom Day and Africa Liberation Day. It is always celebrated continentally and international among people of African descent. The United Nations General Assembly through its president of the 76th session, H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, respectfully celebrated this day. Mr. Abdulla called for the support of the UN in achieving peace and sustainable development in Africa.
The decision to have an African Freedom day was first expressed in the First Congress of Independent African States held in Accra, Ghana in 1958. The attendees of the conference agreed to have the day celebrated each year to mark the continued process of African countries freeing themselves from foreign domination. This was the conference that marked the beginning of other future Pan African conferences that led to the formation of the OAU.
Five years later, the goal seemed to be successful, nearly 2-thirds of the continent had acquired freedom. On May 25, 1963, the heads of states of the independent countries were hosted by H.I.M Haile Sellasie in Addis Ababa where they formed the OAU. The organization aimed to unite the continent and jointly further its interests.
After the transformation of OAU to AU, the celebrations of Africa day are still being observed all over the world through the latter organization. The AU has been carrying the Pan African goal of the founding fathers of African unity.
Did you find this article insightful or interesting? Get our next publication direct to your email by subscribing to our newsletters.
What is your opinion about the article you have just read? Let us know.