Nigeria to Host 35 Nations for Africa Day 2025, Spotlighting Unity, Trade & Youth Inclusion
Nigeria is set to welcome delegates from over 35 countries for the 61st Africa Day celebration, scheduled to take place from May 24 to May 27 in Abuja.
The event, which marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963 — now the African Union (AU) — will convene speakers, policymakers, youth leaders, and cultural ambassadors to engage in transformative dialogue under the theme of continental unity and development.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Mr. Young Piero, Coordinator and Director of Parliament for Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Joint Sessions of the Africa Union Simulation (AUS), highlighted the central themes of the event.
“The 61st Africa Day celebration aims to create a unified continental voice that drives meaningful development and promotes a more united and progressive Africa,” he said.
Piero noted that this year’s celebration will place special emphasis on intra-African trade, borderless movement across the continent, cultural exchange, and the AU’s Vision 2030 initiative promoting a single African passport.
“This year’s celebration is going to be different in the sense that we are collaborating with all organisations in Nigeria and Africa that are doing fabulously well in their own field, in terms of building the Africa that we want,’’ he added.
The event will also shine a spotlight on youth and women inclusion, patriotism, and African cultural values. According to Piero, the gathering is a chance for Africans to reconnect with their heritage and embrace the “Africa First” mindset.
“Africa is where the treasure lies, and we are building Africa that will become a global powerhouse of the future,’’ he said.
Also speaking, the President of the Afro-Caribbean Chamber, Quadri-Adu Kehinde, revealed that a “liberation walk” would be held in the lead-up to the 2025 edition to commemorate Africa’s strides toward freedom and unity.
“The time of slavery is gone and this is a time that we need to move together and work together. That is the essence of the liberation walk,’’ he said.
Kehinde added that the programme lineup includes development forums and special sessions targeting youth and women engagement.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Phil Roberts, commended the Nigerian government for its support in hosting the event. He emphasized the role of patriotism in Africa’s journey toward prosperity and called on citizens across the continent to work collaboratively toward common goals.
The Africa Day celebration in Abuja promises to be a pivotal platform for building solidarity, celebrating diversity, and advancing the African agenda on a global stage.
