In a grand display of continental unity and cultural pride, Nigeria is set to host 35 nations in Abuja for the 61st Africa Day celebration, scheduled to take place from May 24 to May 27, 2025. The four-day event, which will be held under the auspices of the African Union Simulation and other pan-African bodies, will draw speakers, delegates, and cultural groups from across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
Africa Day, commemorated annually on May 25, marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, now known as the African Union (AU). It serves as a platform for celebrating African identity, achievements, and shared aspirations, while also addressing the challenges facing the continent in an evolving global landscape.
Speaking at a pre-event press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Mr. Young Piero, the Coordinator and Director of Parliament for Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Joint Sessions at the AU Simulation, announced that the 61st edition would spotlight themes central to Africa’s future — including continental integration, trade liberalization, youth empowerment, and cultural exchange.
“This year’s celebration will be different. We are uniting organizations across Nigeria and the continent that are contributing meaningfully to building the Africa we want,” Piero said. “The event will serve as a platform for dialogue on intra-African trade, the AU Vision 2030, and the implementation of the single African passport.”
The AU Vision 2030 aims to remove trade and travel barriers within the continent and encourage economic independence through local solutions and inclusive development strategies. According to Piero, delegates will also deliberate on policies promoting youth and women’s participation in governance and entrepreneurship, as well as strategies for fostering a stronger sense of African identity and unity.
Among the major highlights of the 61st Africa Day celebration is the Liberation Walk, an initiative introduced by the Afro-Caribbean Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President, Mr. Quadri-Adu Kehinde, described it as a symbolic exercise meant to reinforce the theme of freedom and pan-African solidarity.
“We are no longer under colonial chains. This Liberation Walk is a call for togetherness and progress. Africa must now work as one — economically, politically, and culturally,” Kehinde said.
Key sessions during the celebration will feature youth-led panels, women-focused forums, cultural exhibitions, and diplomatic roundtables involving representatives from across Africa and the diaspora. The event is also expected to feature musical and theatrical performances celebrating African traditions, language, and history.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Phil Roberts, lauded the Nigerian government for its support in hosting the international event, stating that Nigeria’s central role in African affairs made Abuja a symbolic location for the gathering.
“Africa’s journey to progress must begin with patriotism. This celebration reminds us of our shared destiny and the collective effort needed to achieve the Africa of our dreams,” Roberts added.
As anticipation builds, the event has drawn endorsements from regional organizations, civil society groups, and government ministries. It is expected to boost Nigeria’s diplomatic ties, tourism, and socio-political influence within the AU framework.
As Africa reflects on its past and envisions its future, the 61st Africa Day celebration in Abuja presents a timely opportunity to redefine the continent’s place in the world. With 35 nations uniting in Nigeria’s capital, the event is set to advance the African Union’s mission for integration, inclusion, and sustainable development.