This year Africa Day will be held on a Saturday. Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), on the 25th of May 1963. For some people, it represents the Day when African Countries became an unity. For others, it celebrates the freedom and independence of Africa.

History

African Freedom Day was founded during the first Conference of Independent African States, which attracted African leaders and political activists from various African countries, in Ghana on April 15, 1958. Government representatives from eight independent African states attended the conference, which was the first Pan-African conference in the continent. The purpose of the day was to annually mark the liberation movement’s progress and to symbolize the determination of the people of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation.

Between 1958 and 1963, 17 countries in Africa won their independence and 1960 was proclaimed the Year of Africa. On May 25, 1963, 31 African leaders convened a summit meeting to found the Organization of African Unity (OAU). They renamed Africa Freedom Day as “African Liberation Day” and changed its date to May 25. The founding date of the OAU is also referred to as “Africa Day”.

What to do

Even if Africa Day is observed as a public holiday in only five African countries (Ghana , Mali, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe) Celebrations are held in manyAfrican countries, as well as by Africans in the diaspora, but also everywhere in the world: United Kingdom, Australia, United States, Europe, etc.

The event usually include: Formal gatherings with panel discussions, Street marches, Speeches by political and social leaders, Special university lectures, Rallies featuring cultural entertainment, poetry, and speakers.

If you want to celebrate Africa Day, just check what’s on in your state/country and take part to one of the most important commemorations in Africa !

Africa Day in Australia, visit Africa Day Melbourne.