Africa Day: Celebrating unity and independence

CAIRO – 25 May 2019: Every year on May 25, Africans around the world celebrate the annual occasion of “Africa Day,” which marks the establishment of the Organization of African Unity in 1963 (now known as the African Union).

Several African countries sought to gain independence in a wave of decolonization in the continent, believed to be inspired by Ghana which became the first African state in the south Saharan to gain independence in 1957. The following year saw the first conference held by Independent African states in Ghana.


African Union Commission set a theme for Africa Day 2019 to be Year of Refugees, returnees and IDPs: Towards Durable solutions to forced displacement in African - African Union

Marking the Africa Day occasion annually comes with themes set for each year, with this year’s theme set to be "Year of Refugees, returnees and IDPs: Towards Durable solutions to forced displacement in African,” according to the H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).

In his speech, Mahamat said that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) seeks to provide relevant answers to several issues including infrastructure, women well-being, energy, agricultural productivity and human resources among others.

He announced that the official launch of the AfCFTA will be at the Extraordinary Summit scheduled to take place in Niamey on 7 July 2019, marking an important and decisive step on the road to African integration.

Egypt assumed the chairmanship of the 55-member state African Union in February. It is also hosting the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In his televised address president Sisi extended his greetings to all African peoples on the occasion of Africa Day, which marks the historic anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which is now known by the name of the African Union (AU), saying that this day in history ushered in a new era in the path of African solidarity.

On this day, 56 years ago, the founding fathers of the OAU set out on the road of unity and cooperation in Africa and laid the foundation for continental economic integration and joint action, setting off Africa's transition towards stability, progress and prosperity, Sisi said.

President Sisi further urged African countries to benefit from both the private and the public sectors to develop their infrastructure, inter-connectivity and integration.

Hashtag #AfricaDay has attracted numerous tweets by social media users, institutions and public figures commemorating the day, with many showing pride of belonging to the continent, and expressing optimism of its future.

Today is #AfricaDay
Africa contributes least to climate change but will be most affected. I'm optimistic because:
1. Vibrant, youth population = solution 2 #ClimateAction
2. Fast urban growth = we can change our city scapes
3. Leapfrogging technologies = we can do it 4 climate pic.twitter.com/Ac7RiZVmCW

— Joyce Msuya (@JoyceMsuya) May 25, 2019

As we celebrate Africa day today, I am determined more than ever to continue to accelerate Africa’s development. As long as God gives me breath, I will advance Africa’s aspirations, today and always! I am proudly African!😎💕

— Akinwumi A. Adesina (@akin_adesina) May 25, 2019

Celebrating Africa Day and all our African Nobel Laureates, including Kofi Annan, Wangari Maathai, Nelson Mandela, Leymah Gbowee and Denis Mukwege who have all been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. pic.twitter.com/95fVImGZvi

— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) May 25, 2019

I am proudly African. This is the only place I can call home. The rhythm of my heart and the sunbeams of my soul are navigated by the beauty of our people. #Africa is gem of great beauty and incalculable value. Have a lovely #AfricaDay #AfricaDay2019 pic.twitter.com/rliQtJvLKw

— Christo (@ChristoThurston) May 25, 2019

Today we celebrate being African.
God bless Africa and give her peace. Happy #AfricaDay. pic.twitter.com/VbeZL1Aig7

— Jabulani Mbanjani (@JeegaJo) May 25, 2019

"I am not African because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me," Nkrumah
🙌💃
Happy #AfricaDay
Photo: Charis Tsevis pic.twitter.com/sphKO0UuDb

— Aisha Dabo™ (@mashanubian) May 25, 2019

Something for Africa day
Time to appreciate African ladies 😍drop your picture in appreciation of Africa Day lm from Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 pic.twitter.com/RvJuI8gm4U

— BabesWeRasta ☘️ 🍃 (@kimmy_chierley) May 25, 2019

Happy Africa Day to the people and continent that I love! 🌍❤ #AfricaDay #AfricaDay2019 pic.twitter.com/5rESO2i9oD

— Ulrich Janse van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) May 25, 2019

Happy Africa day to all Africa
25 may 1963 pic.twitter.com/wuulSpXh3w

— hlamogale Nchabeleng (@hlamogale) May 25, 2019