Yasmin Bilal
Africa Day is being celebrated across the continent today. It marks 63 years since African leaders gathered in Addis Ababa to establish the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union.
His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, on the occasion of Africa Day 2026, said, “Today, Africa commemorates sixty-three years since the founding of the Organisation of African Unity. It remains a milestone that continues to inspire unity, liberation, dignity and development,” he said.
“This year’s theme, ‘Sixty-three (63) Years of Unity, Integration and Development, Let’s Celebrate Together’, reaffirms commitment to Agenda 2063 and the Africa We Want,” he added.
“Africa Day reflects shared heritage. It also reflects Africa’s growing role in global affairs. Guided by Ubuntu ‘I am because we are’, Africa continues to promote solidarity and cooperation,” he said.
“Africa’s voice has grown globally. African Union membership in the G20 marks progress in global economic decision-making. It strengthens Africa’s role in global solutions,” he said.
“The African Union continues institutional reforms. The goal is a stronger and more responsive Union that delivers for citizens,” he said.
“This year’s theme also highlights priorities such as sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems. It supports Agenda 2063 goals on development and resilience,” he said.
“Africa continues to call for a fairer global system, including reform of the United Nations Security Council,” he said.
“There is growing momentum on reparatory justice. Efforts led by Ghana at the United Nations have advanced global debate on reparations and colonial legacy,” he said.
“Africa Day is a moment to renew commitment to unity. It also reaffirms Pan-Africanism and the potential of the continent,” he said.
In South Africa, the African National Congress said Africa Day represents continental unity, shared history and solidarity across Africa.
The party said Africa is in a process of renewal and called for stronger cooperation among African states.
Continental unity must be protected, and Africa must define its own development path, the party said.
It highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area as key to integration.
Africa Day should strengthen collective action on shared challenges, including poverty, conflict, inequality and instability, it said.
Migration pressures were also raised, with a call for African-led solutions and rejection of divisions among African nations.
Africa must strengthen its global voice, including reform of the United Nations Security Council, the party added.
The Economic Freedom Fighters said Africa Day reflects ongoing struggles against inequality, exploitation and imperialism.
Quoting Kwame Nkrumah, the party said: “We are not Africans because we were born in Africa, but because Africa was born in us.”
The Democratic Alliance said Africa Day calls for practical action to improve living conditions.
Progress depends on stronger economies and stable societies, the party said.