As Africa Day Promotes Continent’s Cultural Heritage

At this year’s Africa Day, leaders and institutions within and outside celebrated the continent’s rich cultural heritage, writes Charles Ajunwa

On May 25, leaders, citizens and staff of various institutions within and outside Africa marked Africa Day in style, showcasing the continent’s cultural potential. Talk shows and exhibitions were organised to showcase Africa’s culture. All those who participated dressed in African attire unique to different countries as they marked the event.

Africa Day, formerly African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day, is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963. The organisation was replaced by African Union on 9 July 2002, but the holiday continues to be celebrated on 25 May. It is celebrated in various countries in Africa as well as around the world.

In a statement to commemorate the event, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H .E. Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, underscored Africa’s growing prominence in international affairs,  urging all Africans to renew their faith in Pan-Africanism.

He said, “Today, Africa commemorates sixty-three years since the founding of the Organisation of African Unity — a historic milestone that continues to inspire our collective pursuit of unity, liberation, dignity, and development.

“As we mark this year’s Africa Day under the theme, ‘Sixty-three (63) Years of Unity, Integration and Development, Let’s Celebrate Together’, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and to building the Africa We Want.

“Africa Day is both a celebration of our shared heritage and a recognition of Africa’s growing role in shaping global affairs. Guided by the spirit of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — our continent continues to champion solidarity, cooperation, and shared humanity in an increasingly uncertain world.”

Youssouf added, “On this Africa Day, I call upon African diplomats and representatives across the world to continue working closely with the African Group in various capitals to strengthen Africa’s collective voice and advance our shared priorities.

“I also express appreciation to the African Union’s partners for their continued cooperation and solidarity in supporting peace, integration, development, and institutional transformation across our continent.

“As we celebrate Africa Day, let us renew our faith in the power of African unity, the promise of Pan-Africanism, and the limitless potential of our people.”

Also, President of the Republic of Burundi and the Chairperson of the African Union (AU), H.E. Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye, in the statement, reminded the continent that the celebration must coexist with collective awareness.

“An African child deprived of education today is a part of Africa’s future that we are abandoning tomorrow,” Ndayishimiye said, calling for education to be prioritised alongside humanitarian aid in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) settings, and urged stronger continental unity against terrorism, stating: “No country should be left alone to face this peril.”

He called on all African leaders to “speak with one voice”, adding, “Long live a united Africa! Long live the African Union and happy Africa Day to all.”

Workers from government institutions, including staff of various organisations within and outside the continent, observed the Africa Day wearing their unique native dresses. The significance of this, is to promote Africa’s culture and heritage.

The United Bank for Africa (UBA), with presence in 20 African countries and the African financial services in New York, London, Paris and Dubai, joined to celebrate Africa’s culture, creativity, talent, resilience, and excellence.

“Africa is more than a continent; it is culture, creativity, resilience, innovation, and the unstoppable spirit of its people.

“Today, we celebrate the talent, excellence, and limitless possibilities that continue to shape Africa’s story and inspire the world,” a statement from the bank declared.

Transcorp Group staff also observed Africa Day with dressing in their native attire. A statement from the Group said, “Today, we celebrate Africa’s heritage, a continent rich in culture and possibilities. Today we celebrate One Africa, Many Strengths. Happy Africa Day from all of us at Transcorp Group.”

The African Development Bank Group and the government of Brazzaville, in partnership with the African Union Commission hosted Africa Day celebration to mark the official kickoff of the Bank Group’s 2026 Annual Meetings.

Organisers said that the Africa Day held at Mfoa Plenary Hall, Kintele International Conference Centre, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, brought together participants of the Annual Meetings and Bank staff to showcase Africa’s cultural richness, contemporary creativity, and enduring sense of identity. According to the organisers, participants across headquarters, regional and country offices, joined the event in African attire. 

The Africa Day featured activities that highlighted Africa’s cultural heritage and richness and African arts through powerful visual and emotional expression.

“The centerpiece of the celebration, the African Cultural Heritage Show, offered staff and attendees an opportunity to show off traditional and modern African attire representing their countries.

“In addition, the ‘Words for Africa’ live art installation, led by a young local artist, invited participants both in person and online to contribute three words reflecting their vision for Africa onto a collective visual canvas, connecting physical and digital audiences in a shared expression of ideas,” organisers said.

UN Tourism, formerly World Tourism Organisation, also celebrated Africa Day in a statement noting that Africa is, “a continent that never stops growing.”

“But the question now is who that growth truly reaches. Tourism cannot succeed if the communities hosting the world are left behind.

“This year, the African Union has rightly put the spotlight on clean water and safe sanitation.

“As we look ahead to leading the United Nations International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism in 2027, this is exactly where our focus must be.

“Opportunity. A real stake in the future. That future belongs to Africa’s youth.

“UN Tourism is deeply committed to building this future together with our African partners,” the statement added.