The African Union reaffirmed its plea for justice, solidarity, and shared progress on May 24, 2025, in honor of Africa Day 2025.
In his passionate speech, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), spoke on behalf of the AUC and reminisced on Africa’s historic path while advocating for bold measures toward a prosperous and just future.
The subject for this year, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” affirms Africa’s and its diaspora’s right to truth, justice, and restoration while also paying tribute to those who perished during slavery and colonialism.
“While justice and reparations remain long overdue,” the Chairperson affirmed, “Africa will not be held hostage by the pain of its past.”
He went on:
“Africa continues to sacrifice and strive towards freedom from conflict, underdevelopment, and war. The continent is steadily building a future of peace, prosperity, and integration.”
H.E. Youssouf emphasized Africa’s strategic advantages, which include a young and expanding population, a large amount of arable land, a richness of minerals, and a lot of possibilities for renewable energy. Africa is not just the continent of the future, but it is also the catalyst for global change, with a population predicted to surpass 2.5 billion by 2050.
The Chairperson further emphasized how resilient African economies are, pointing out that before the COVID-19 pandemic, several of them had achieved macroeconomic gains and even double-digit growth. He praised the energy of African women and adolescents, who are spearheading innovation and community change throughout the continent.
One of the main topics of the speech was Africa’s changing place in world of politics. The continent’s membership in the G20 was hailed as both “a well-deserved participation” and a “global recognition of Africa’s importance.”
“It is our duty as Africans,” he said, “to safeguard our resources and prioritise value addition through transformative initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Africa must no longer be an afterthought in global geopolitics.”
The Chairperson issued a resounding call to action saying:
“Let us reaffirm our shared values and take rightful ownership of our future on the global stage. Pan-Africanism was forged through the dreams and determination of our people—but also through strategic foresight. Let us honour that legacy with bold, united action.”
As Africa Day 2025 is marked across the continent and in the diaspora, the African Union calls on all Africans to stand tall in their identity, to pursue justice with courage, and to shape the continent’s future with confidence and pride.
