African countries have called for stronger unity, trade integration, cultural diplomacy, solidarity, and inclusive development across the continent amid current security and economic challenges.
The continent’s leaders and envoys made the appeal during the 2026 Africa Day celebration on Monday night in Abuja, themed “Advancing Africa’s Integration: The Role of Trade and Cultural Diplomacy”.
Ashenews reports that Africa Day is observed annually on May 25 to honour the continent’s liberation from colonial rule and promote African unity, cultural diversity, and future progress.
The envoys stressed the need for stronger cooperation among Africa’s 55 countries to advance peaceful coexistence, economic integration, and sustainable development.
Burundi’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana, said Africa must continue to prioritise unity, solidarity, and inclusive development despite prevailing security and economic challenges.
Nduwimana said Africa’s growing relevance in global governance, including its inclusion in the G20, reflected the continent’s increasing influence in international affairs.
“Africa is not asking for charity. It is asking for fairness, justice and a legitimate place in the decision-making mechanisms that shape the future of the world,” he said.
He also urged African countries to strengthen the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade, create opportunities for youths, and consolidate the continent’s economic sovereignty.
According to him, African integration remains the continent’s greatest strength and requires stronger solidarity among member states.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, noted that Africa Day served as a reminder of the continent’s shared history, struggles, and aspirations for unity and prosperity.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described African culture as a vital instrument for peacebuilding, regional integration, and sustainable development. She added that the continent’s diversity should continue to serve as a bridge for stronger cooperation.
She said African countries must continue to act collectively to address insecurity, economic inequality, climate vulnerability, and other developmental challenges confronting the continent.
“Unity remains our most powerful tool in addressing insecurity, economic inequality, climate vulnerability and persistent injustices of the global order,” she said.
The minister highlighted the disproportionate burden faced by women and children due to poor access to clean water and sanitation facilities across parts of the continent.
According to her, women and children remain the most affected by water insecurity, often facing challenges in accessing safe water and dignified sanitation facilities.
She called for deliberate investment in resilient infrastructure, stronger regional cooperation on shared water resources, and policies that guarantee equitable access to water and sanitation services.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, remained committed to policies that promote sustainable development, regional cooperation, and Africa’s economic transformation.
The celebration also featured cultural displays, African cuisine exhibitions, traditional drinks, presentations, and flag processions by participating African countries.
Representatives from various countries showcased locally prepared drinks while explaining their nutritional and cultural significance to guests.
Dignitaries at the event included the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria, Salahadeen Abbas; Namibia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Humphrey Geiseb; Liberia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, John Ballout; Chad’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Abakar Chahaimi; Cuba’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Palmero; Italy’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni; Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selestine Kakele; and Angola’s Ambassador, Jose Zau.
Others in attendance were Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Julius Sandy; Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Legesse Haile; DR Congo’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Pascaline Yakivu; and Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued.
