Observed annually on May 25th, Africa Day is a vibrant celebration of the African continent’s diverse cultures, history and achievements. This significant day holds tremendous importance, not only for Africans, but also for people worldwide who recognize the invaluable contributions Africa has made to our global community. It is a momentous occasion that showcases the resilience, cultural wealth, and unity of the African continent.
Africa Day celebrations in Dublin, Ireland, 2018. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Africa Day marks the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union (AU), in 1963. 60 years ago, the celebration of Africa Day commenced on 25 May 1963. It symbolizes the collective aspirations of African nations for unity, liberation, and socio-economic progress.
Origins of Africa Day
The history of Africa Day is deeply rooted in the liberation movements that marked the 20th century. Formally known as African Freedom Day and then African Liberation Day, its origin lies in the collective African resistance to colonialism and economic exploitation.
Following World War II, the process of decolonization of the African continent gathered momentum as Africans increasingly agitated for more political rights and independence. While in some parts of the continent colonial powers reluctantly and grudgingly relinquished power, in other parts African people launched protracted struggles against the recalcitrant colonial regimes. Thus, between 1945 and 1965 a significant number of African countries gained independence from European colonial powers.
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Ghana became the first African country south of the Sahara to gain independence on 6 March 1957. Its independence served an inspiration to other African countries struggling against colonial rule and as a result Ghana occupied a central role in the struggle against colonial rule.
Just over a year after its independence Ghana, under the leadership Kwame Nkrumah, convened the first Conference of Independent African States on 15 April 1958. Amongst those countries that attended were Ghana, Ethiopia, Sudan, Liberia, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. There were also representatives of the National Liberation Front of Algeria and the Union of Cameroonian Peoples. It is worth noting that there were only eight African countries who were independent at this time.
The conference was an unequivocal assertion of Africa’s rejection of colonial and imperialist domination of the continent. It became the first Pan African conference to be held on the continent bringing together various African countries. Furthermore, the conference became a collective platform from which African countries sought to cooperate in the struggle against colonialism.
To further encourage and forge a common goal of fighting against colonial rule, the conference called for the observance of African Freedom Day once a year, to mark “the onward progress of the liberation movement, and to symbolize the determination of the People of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation.” Consequently, 15 April was enacted as African Freedom Day (or Africa Liberation Day), and this marked the beginning of what would later be known as Africa Day.
Subsequent to the April conference another conference, the All Africa People’s Conference (AAPC) was held on 8-13 December 1958 in Accra Ghana. The AAPC was attended by both independent and non independent countries, representatives of liberation movements. From South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) could not formally attend as the organisation as it was prevented by the apartheid government from doing so. However, a memorandum was sent to the conference.
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Patrick Duncan (left) and Alfred Hutchinson (right) delegates at the All Africa People's Conference in Ghana, 1958. Source: Private Collection of George M. Houser, African Activist Archive.
From 1959 to 1963 African Liberation Day was celebrated in Ethiopia, South Africa, Ghana and by African people in Britain, China, Soviet Union and the United States (US). Other conferences were held in January 1960 in Tunisia followed by another one in Egypt in March 1961.
As more African countries became independent, the need for an organisation that would articulate aspirations of African people and their struggle arose. Consequently on 25 May 1963, leaders of 32 African nations converged in Ethiopia‘s capital Addis Ababa and formed the Organization of African Unity (OAU).
The organization agreed to have an annual assembly of heads of state, a council of ministers, a general secretariat and a commission of mediation, conciliation and arbitration. Perhaps, more importantly the OAU supported the struggle for liberation in Southern African through the OAU Liberation Committee. Both the ANC and PAC received support in the struggle against apartheid from the OAU through this committee.
Amongst other things agreed to at the formation of the OAU was to change the date of Africa Freedom Day from 15 April to 25 May. As a consequence of the change African nations celebrate Africa Day on this date.
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After the first democratic election in 1994, South Africa joined the OAU on 23 May 1994.
A South African National Holiday - The Freedom Day | CULTURAL POSTS
The Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the African Union (AU)
The formation of the OAU/AU was strongly influenced by the intellectual, cultural and political movement of Pan-Africanism. Dating back to the 19th century, Pan-Africanism is a socio-political worldview, philosophy and movement stressing the principles of the unity of the African continent and peoples of African heritage in political, cultural and economic matters.
On May 25, 1963, the Charter of the Organization of African Unity was signed, and it was decided to celebrate African Liberation Day (ALD) every year on May 25. The Charter establishing the OAU, adopted in 1963, stated that the organization’s goals included the promotion of the unity and solidarity of African states, the defense of their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, and the eradication of all forms of colonialism from Africa. Member states were to coordinate and harmonize their policies in various areas, including politics and diplomacy, economics, transportation, communications, education, health, and defense and security.
Following the period of decolonization, the Cold War, and apartheid in South Africa, African leaders recognized that the OAU’s framework was no longer adequate to meet the continent’s need for greater socio-integration, and to prevent its marginalization in the era of globalization.
In order to better respond to the challenges facing the continent, and to realize the vision of the founding fathers for a peaceful, prosperous and united Africa, the OAU Assembly of African Heads of State and Government issued the Sirte Declaration in 1999, in Libya calling for the establishment of the African Union (AU). The Declaration was followed by summits at Lomé in Togo in 2000, when the Constitutive Act of the African Union was adopted, and at Lusaka in Zambia in 2001, when the plan for the implementation of the African Union was adopted.
In 2002, the OAU was formally transformed into a new African Union (AU). Comparatively, the objectives of the AU are more comprehensive than those of the OAU. The African Union today strives to represent a vibrant continent.
Celebrating Africa Day
Africa Day continues to be celebrated both in Africa and around the world, mostly on 25 May (although in some cases these periods of celebrations can be stretched out over a period of days or weeks). Themes are set for each year's Africa Day, with 2015's being the "Year of Women's Empowerment and Development towards Africa's Agenda 2063".
In the past, people across Africa commemorated Africa Day with a tapestry of vibrant festivities, music, dance, cultural exhibitions, and thought-provoking discussions. Cultural festivals, exhibitions, and conferences were held to promote African unity and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe and other African nations.
These are just a few examples, as Africa Day is celebrated in numerous countries worldwide, including those with significant African populations and those that have historical and cultural ties to the African continent. For Africans, Africa Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the continent’s history, honour African achievements, and embrace cultural diversity.
Africa-CARICOM Day
Four years ago, on September 7, 2021 the first Africa Caribbean (CARICOM) Summit was hosted virtually by the Republic of Kenya in the aftermath of a 2003 Declaration by the African Union (AU) of its Diaspora as the sixth region of Africa. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has suggested that Africa-CARICOM Day should be celebrated on September 7, in recognition of the first-ever Africa-Caribbean Summit aimed at forging stronger social and economic ties between the two global communities.
How to Participate in Africa Day
To have a fulfilling Africa Day experience, consider immersing yourself in African art, literature, music, and cuisine. Engage in meaningful conversations, share stories, and explore the vast array of African cultures. Embrace the spirit of Ubuntu, the African philosophy of interconnectedness and humanity.
Ways to Celebrate Africa Day in Schools:
- Cultural Showcases: Organize events where students can showcase various aspects of African culture, such as traditional music, dance, art, and fashion.
- Guest Speakers: Invite guest speakers, such as African artists, musicians, storytellers, or community leaders, to share their experiences and knowledge about African culture and history.
- Food and Cuisine: Arrange a special African-themed lunch or snacks, featuring traditional dishes from different African countries.
- Film Screenings: Screen documentaries or movies that explore African history, culture, or current issues.
- Art and Craft Activities: Engage students in creative projects inspired by African art, such as mask-making, beadwork, or fabric painting.
- Storytelling and Literature: Encourage students to read African literature or listen to African folktales and stories.
- Community Engagement: Collaborate with local African community organizations or individuals to organize cultural exchanges or workshops.
Commemoration of Africa Day, May 25, 2023. Source: African Union.
