Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub
AFRICA Day is a celebration of African culture, history, identity and an opportunity to recognise Africa’s achievements, Rwandan Ambassador to Zimbabwe James Musoni, has said.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Africa Day to be held on May 25, Ambassador Musoni, who is Dean of African ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe, said preparations for the Africa Day commemorations were on course with a number of activities lined up from May 26-31, 2025.
Africa Day is commemorated on May 25 every year. This year’s event is set for May 26, since the actual day will be on a Sunday.
African ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe yesterday converged at the Rwandan Embassy in Harare to announce the commemoration of Africa Day scheduled to take place on May 26 2025, a day of profound significance for the continent.
Mozambique’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Carvalho Mauria and Egyptian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Salwa Mowafi and chargé d’affaires (diplomat who serves as the head of a diplomatic mission) from Kenya, Zambia and Algeria are some of the diplomats who attended the press briefing.
Africa Day marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (0AU) in 1963, now known as the African Union (AU), and is a celebration of Africa’s unity, diversity, progress, and the enduring spirit of solidarity among African nations.
Amb Musoni said the African Union has declared this year’s theme as: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”
He said the theme underscores the AU’s commitment to addressing historical injustices, including the trans-Atlantic slave trade, colonialism, apartheid, and genocide.
“It builds on decades of advocacy and collaboration, aiming to foster unity and establish mechanisms for reparatory justice on a global scale.
“This theme underscores a vital and long overdue call to action – to recognise historical injustices, promote healing, and pursue meaningful reparative justice for Africans and people of African descent around the world. It reflects our collective commitment to equity, dignity, and the restoration of rights and opportunities that were long denied through colonialism, slavery, and systemic discrimination,” said Ambassador Musoni.
He said African embassies in Zimbabwe, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (MOFAIT) and other local stakeholders, will host a series of events in honour of this important day that aim to strengthen the bonds of fraternity between African nations and the host country.
On May 26, 2025, there will be diplomatic engagements, showcasing African cuisine and culture, fashion shows, raffle draw.
“An Africa Movies Festival will be held at the Museum of Africa Liberation on May 28, 2025, followed by a marathon from 0630hours in the surrounding area of the Museum of Africa Liberation on May 31, 2025. A volleyball match between MOFAIT and Africa Embassies has also been pencilled at a date to be confirmed.
“We extend our heartfelt invitation to the people of Zimbabwe and the international community to join us in commemorating this important day. Together, we honour our past, affirm our present, and shape a future grounded in justice, respect, and shared progress. Together, let us continue to build the Africa we want,” Amb Musoni said.
