Africa Day 2025 was marked by powerful calls for justice, unity, and progress on Sunday, 25 May.

In Johannesburg, Gauteng, civil society groups and unions rallied to commemorate the day, emphasising the importance of African cooperation and solidarity. Organisations like Cosatu and the Palestine Solidarity Alliance marched through the city, calling for an end to xenophobia and greater unity in the face of populist rhetoric that has been gaining prominence.

The African Union (AU) focused on the theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”, reflecting on the continent’s painful history of slavery and colonialism.

His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, urged Africans to take ownership of their future, highlighting the continent’s immense potential for economic and social progress.

“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,” he added.

Africa Day also serves as a reminder of the continent’s fight against oppression, from apartheid in South Africa to the broader struggle for independence. Leaders across the continent called for continued action towards peace, prosperity, and integration, with a particular emphasis on empowering African youth and women to lead the way.

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