Africa Day 2023: Embracing ‘Our Africa, Our Future’

May 25th, 1963 marked a defining moment in Africa’s history – the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which we know today as the African Union (AU).

Sixty years later, Africans are honouring this pivotal anniversary with grandeur.

Here’s what you need to know about the theme for 2023 and the origins of Africa Day.

Africa Day 2023

Since it’s been exactly six decades since the founding of the union, the AU will celebrate its diamond jubilee with engaging activities spanning the continent’s 55 member states.

The highlights will underscore achievements, milestones, and challenges faced, as well as the way forward under Agenda 2063.

This year’s theme

The theme for this year’s commemorative is encapsulated under the rallying cry, “Our Africa, Our Future”.

It’s meant to celebrate Africa’s steadfast journey of unity, progress, and shared dreams, echoing on social media with the OurAfricaOurFuture hashtag.

Agenda 2063 framework

The Agenda is the continent’s “blueprint and master plan” for transforming Africa into a “global powerhouse of the future”.

The AU said: “It is the continent’s strategic framework that aims to deliver on its goal for inclusive and sustainable development and is a concrete manifestation of the Pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity pursued under Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance”.

“The genesis of Agenda 2063 was the realisation by African leaders that there was a need to refocus and reprioritise Africa’s agenda from the struggle against apartheid and the attainment of political independence… to prioritise inclusive social and economic development, continental and regional integration, democratic governance and peace and security”.

An epic journey: From OAU to AU

The OAU, formed in 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and now known as the AU, has steadfastly celebrated ‘Africa Day’ every year on 25 May.

The event highlights the vision and milestones achieved in building an integrated and prosperous Africa.

The continent is also driven by its citizens, and this manifests in Africa being represented as a dynamic force on the global stage.

It is the duty of the media to highlight the continent’s successes in various socio-economic and political sectors, while also promoting the African Union’s activities.

Each AU member state is expected to participate in the celebrations, marking the continent’s achievements over the past 60 years.