FORUM: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.” Africa Day 2025. This year’s observance will honor the memory of those who suffered under slavery and colonialism, while asserting the right of Africa and its diaspora to truth, justice, and restoration. History rarely remembers those who waited quietly. In Africa, it is those who dare to act, to resist, to lead, and to dream aloud who have shaped the continent’s most defining moments. As we mark Africa Day 2025, under the African Union’s theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, we are reminded that justice is not a destination—It is a continuous demand for truth, for dignity, and for leadership that reflects the realities of our people. Now more than ever, that demand must be inclusive. The Africa We Want, as envisioned in Africa’s Agenda 2063, cannot be built without the full power of its majority: its women and youth. Yet these very groups— the bearers of innovation and agents of transformation—remain disproportionately underrepresented, underfunded, and undervalued. The commemoration seeks to Promote the AU 2025 Theme of the Year, positioning reparations and historical redress within AU frameworks for peacebuilding, development, and global advocacy; To Facilitate high-level dialogue on innovative and implementable policy pathways for achieving reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent; To Celebrate Africa’s diverse cultural heritage as both a repository of memory and a dynamic driver of healing, innovation, and sustainable development; To Foster intergenerational and diaspora dialogues that bridge past struggles with future aspirations, allowing youth, artists, civil society, and thought leaders to co-create inclusive narratives of justice, identity, and transformation; To Reaffirm Member States’ commitment to Pan-African solidarity, resilience, and the cultural and intellectual revival of the continent. This Africa Day let us move beyond celebration. Let us commit to reclamation of history, of voice, and of leadership. Let us tell the stories of, not just of what we have survived, but also of what we are building— a continent where girls can lead revolutions, where youth can set national agendas, and where justice is not abstract—but actionable. We are not waiting to be included. We are here to transform!
EVENTS: On Saturday May 24th; starting at 10:00 am. (GMT+3) at the African Union headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The African Union will be celebrating Africa Day 2025 and its 62nd anniversary marking the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) (1963-2025) now the African Union (AU). The Commemoration is organized by the African Union Commission through its Directorate of Citizens and Diaspora (CIDO), in collaboration with AU Member States, AU Organs and Regional Economic Communities (RECs). Under the theme “Revisiting Our History, Shaping Our Future”.The commemorative event will bring together, among others: Representatives from AU Member State, the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC); the African Union Commission, AU Organs and AU Specialized Agencies; Regional Economic Communities (RECs); Women and Youth representatives; Civil Society Organisations; Development Partners; UN Agencies; Diaspora community and media representatives. Journalists are invited to be part of the commemoration and cover the Event on Saturday 24th May 2025 starting from 10H00am at the AU Headquarters. The day will also be marked with Exhibition, entertainment and cultural showcases; Media interviews and a Group photo. For further information please contact us, odaia@africa-union.org; Register to participate and Watch the livestream!
Agenda programme of the 2025 AFRICA DAY
Commemoration on Saturday, 24 MAY 2025 at the African Union Headquarters.
09:45 – 10:00 Arrival and Anthems
• Arrival of dignitaries
• National Anthem of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and AU Anthem o Director of Protocol
10:00 – 11:15 Official Opening Ceremony
• Welcome remarks o Master of Ceremonies
• Special Tribute: “The Journey to the African Union Theme of the Year” video montage
• Statement by African Union Staff Association o Mr. Nouhou Thiam
• Statement by the Chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent o H.E Ambassador Martin Kimani,
• Statement by UNESCO o Dr. Rita Bissoonauth, Head of the UNESCO Liaison Office to the AUC and ECA and Rep. to Ethiopia (TBC)
• Statement by the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in Ethiopia o H.E Youssouf Mondoha Assoumani, Ambassador of the Union of Comoros to Ethiopia & Permanent Representative to the AU. • Statement by the African Union Champion on Advancing the Cause of Justice and Payment of Reparations to Africans o H.E John Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana
• Statement by the President of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia o H.E. Taye Atske Selassie.
• Statement by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission o H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf
• Statement by the Chairperson of the African Union o H.E. João Goncalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola.
11:15 - 11:20 Family Photo
11:20 – 11:30 Coffee Break
AFRICAN UNION UNION AFRICAINE UNIÃO AFRICANA UMOJA WA AFRIKA UNIÓN AFRICANA Bazaar
11:30 – 11:35 Welcoming Remarks and Opening of the Bazaar Master of Ceremonies
11: 35 - 17:00 Living Heritage Exhibition and Cultural Showcase
• Country pavilions, traditional performances, art displays, experience
• Diaspora exhibits on restitution and healing by UNESCO Cultural Parade & Exhibition Walkthrough
• Parade of nations Each Member State showcases traditional attire, flag, and music. Taste of Africa & Musical Finale
• Culinary journey through African heritage dishes
• Afro-fusion performances and Pan-African fashion pop-up show
• Music and dance performances from different Member States and AU regional representations
• Poetry and spoken word by African artists and diaspora groups.
STATEMENTS:
Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the occasion of Africa Day 2025, May 25th.
On Africa Day, we celebrate a continent rich in heritage, vibrant in diversity and remarkable in its contributions to our global community.
Africa is home to the world’s youngest population and fast becoming a powerhouse in renewable energy and technological innovation.
Yet, Africa bears the scars of historic injustices. The legacies of slavery, colonialism, apartheid, and systemic racism still cast long shadows, and entrenched inequalities affect Africans and people of African descent to this day.
This year’s theme calls for confronting these shameful legacies. I renew my call for reparatory justice that is grounded in accountability, reconciliation and equity.
The Pact for the Future, adopted in September, urges greater African representation – particularly at the Security Council – and reforms to the international financial system to support African countries with financing and debt relief. The Pact, through the Global Digital Compact, also seeks to close the digital divide and promote the responsible use of AI technologies.
At a time when barriers are being erected, Africa leads by example. The African Continental Free Trade Area promises to usher in a new era of economic integration, opening the door to jobs, growth and prosperity.
At the same time, we must support Africa’s efforts to expand its clean-energy sector, and ensure that the minerals that are critical to the renewables revolution benefit Africans first and most.
Throughout, we will continue standing with Africa to silence the guns, tackle terrorism, and safeguard human rights for all.
On this Africa Day, let us recommit to not only addressing past wrongs, but also to building a sustainable future for the people of Africa grounded in peace, dignity, and opportunity for all.
OTHER STATEMENTS: Read the statements made by the Chairperson of the African Union, the Chairperson of the AU Commission (AUC), Heads of State and Government, Representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Ethiopia, the Chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent the President of the African Union Staff Association among others.
- Message of Ms. Mpemba, until recently the AU Special Envoy on Youth, is now the Special Advisor on Youth and Women to African Union Chairperson.
- Africa Day 2025 Message of President of Ghana H.E. John Dramani Mahama.
- Africa Day 2025 Message of President of Angola, H.E. João Lourenço.
- Message of the AUC Chairperson on the occasion of Africa Day, 25 May, 2025.
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