Former African Union Commission Chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has called for renewed commitment to pan-African ideals and accountable governance as the continent marks Africa Day, emphasizing that while significant progress has been achieved since the formation of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, critical challenges remain.
Speaking on the significance of the day, Dlamini-Zuma highlighted that Africa Day commemorates the founding vision of African leaders who united to secure freedom for colonized nations, defend hard-won sovereignty, and drive continental development. “Africa Day is an important day because that’s when leaders of the African continent at the time who were already free came together to establish an organization… to make sure that one, those who are not free yet are free; to make sure we defend our freedom but also development of the continent,” she stated.
Dlamini-Zuma noted that all African nations have now achieved independence, with the exception of Western Sahara, and that the continent has made considerable strides since 1963. However, she stressed that realizing the vision of an integrated, peaceful, and prosperous Africa requires that decisions adopted by the African Union be effectively implemented by member states. “The AU is not the implementer of decisions that are taken at the AU. The member states are the ones that take those decisions and they must go back to their countries and implement them,” she explained. She further urged citizens to hold their governments accountable for following through on continental commitments.
Reflecting on recent continental challenges, Dlamini-Zuma pointed to Africa’s collective responses to health crises as evidence of what can be achieved through unity. “When we work together and put our minds, our resources together, we can achieve a lot and Africa can be a better place for Africans,” she said, citing the continent’s handling of both the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the role of inclusive participation, Dlamini-Zuma emphasized that development must be driven by Africans themselves, with women, youth, and all citizens actively engaged. She also suggested that the African Union could strengthen accountability by introducing a scorecard system to track implementation of decisions across member states.
Dlamini-Zuma also acknowledged parallel celebrations taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where African professionals trained in Cuba gathered to mark Africa Day and celebrate Cuba-Africa solidarity, coinciding with the centenary of Fidel Castro.
In her closing remarks, the former AU leader reinforced a message of shared identity and purpose. “We’re all Africans. That’s our first identity,” she said. “Before [the Berlin Conference] we were Africans and we must remember that and work together as Africans to create the Africa we want.” She cautioned against viewing Africa as a distant concept, urging citizens to embrace their continental belonging.
“The Africa we want we must build ourselves. The Africa we have is not the Africa we want,” Dlamini-Zuma concluded, calling on governments and citizens alike to recommit to the ideals of unity, self-reliance, and collective prosperity that define Africa Day.