The annual commemoration of the creation of the Organisation of African Unity, formerly known as African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day, is held on May 25 every year. It is a day for Africans and those who love Africa to show the world that the continent is a force to be reckoned with and that the moment has come for African youngsters to define the Africa they want, on their terms, following centuries of being referred to in a negative and degrading manner.
History of Global Africa Day
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 25, 1963, the leaders of 30 of Africa’s 32 sovereign republics signed a founding charter. The O.A.U. was established to assist numerous African countries in achieving transformation, freedom, and independence. The African Economic Community was founded by the O.A.U. in 1991, and the African Union was established by the O.A.U. in 2002. A total of 21 countries have joined the O.A.U. since its inception.
On May 23, 1994, South Africa joined as the 53rd member. African Liberation Day or African Freedom Day was observed in Ethiopia, South Africa, and Ghana on April 15, 1958, following the first Conference of Independent African States. In Ghana, African Unity Day replaced this holiday in 1963. Despite being renamed the African Union, the name and date of Africa Day have been preserved, and Africa Day serves as an opportunity to honor Africa’s people and governments. Africa has a wide range of languages. Except for Ethiopia, every African country has one of the following official languages — English, Portuguese, French, or Arabic.
Apart from Ethiopia and Liberia, Europe colonized every country in Africa. After the colonized obtained independence, one of their official languages remained the colonizers. Liberia had previously adopted English as its official language after being founded by African-American settlers in 1847. Ethiopia was never colonized, despite being briefly occupied by Italy before WWII.
Global Africa Day timeline
African Liberation Day is observed.
In 1963, the leaders of 30 of Africa's 32 sovereign republics sign a founding charter.
The African Economic Community is founded by the O.A.U.
The African Union is established by the O.A.U. in 2002.
Global Africa Day FAQs
What is Africa's capital city?
Africa has 54 autonomous countries, although there are more than 54 capital cities.
Why is Africa called Africa?
Roman theory. According to this school of thought, the Romans discovered a land opposite the Mediterranean and named it after the Berber tribe residing within the Carnage area, presently referred to as Tunisia. The tribe’s name was Afri, and the Romans gave the name Africa meaning the land of the Afri
Where was Africa in the Bible?
Egypt and Egyptians as well as Cush and Cushites were always mentioned together in the Old Testament because they both belong to the African nation. Egypt belonged to the northern part of Africa and a region of the Ancient Near East.
Global Africa Day Activities
Virtually visit Africa
Kenya's African Heritage House is one of the thousands of notable museums, galleries, and cultural attractions in Africa. Visit 32 cultural venues around the continent virtually and read over 300 expert-curated tales on art, identity, music, fashion, gastronomy, and other topics.
Learn about Africa
Learn about Africa's history. Choose an African country and learn about its history. For more information, go to the African Union website.
Visit Africa
Take a journey to an African country. Prepare your affairs and travel to the motherland. Choose an African region, book a flight, and get on your journey.
5 Interesting Facts About Africa
Second largest continent
Africa is the world's second-largest continent by area and population.
World's smallest coastline
Africa has the world's smallest coastline despite its size.
Largest African population
West Africa's Nigeria has the largest population in Africa.
World's tallest mammals
The world's tallest and largest land mammals, the giraffe and African elephant, respectively, are both from Africa.
2,000 Different languages
In Africa, there are about 2,000 different languages spoken, each with its own dialect.
Why We Love Global Africa Day
It has breathtaking scenery
Africa's landscapes are stunning and diverse, spanning over 50 countries. Any breathtaking scenery you can imagine is most likely found in Africa. From pyramids and bazaars to stunning white beaches, majestic mountains, and stunning waterfalls — Africa has it all.
It has diverse wildlife
Africa boasts the most diverse wildlife you can imagine, which is why safari vacations, wildlife, and nature reserves are so popular on the continent. The Big Five — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and black or white rhino — can only be seen in Africa.
Rich cultural diets
A variety of African recipes have emerged as a result of multicultural influences. Distinct parts of the continent provide different gastronomic experiences for your taste buds. Internationally, Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Nigerian cuisines are the most well-known.
Global Africa Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | May 25 | Sunday |
2026 | May 25 | Monday |
2027 | May 25 | Tuesday |
2028 | May 25 | Thursday |
2029 | May 25 | Friday |