Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
AFRICA’S voice has continued to grow in importance on the global stage as the continent’s role in international affairs expands, African Union Commission chairperson Mr Mahmoud Youssouf has said.
In a statement released yesterday to mark Africa Day, Mr Youssouf reiterated the bloc’s commitment to the goals and aspirations of Agenda 2063.
“63 years since the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, (Africa Day is) a historic milestone that continues to inspire our collective pursuit of unity, liberation, dignity and development,” he said.
“As we mark this year’s Africa Day under the theme, ‘63 years of unity, integration and development let’s celebrate together, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and to building the Africa we want,” he said.
Mr Youssouf said Africa Day was both a celebration of the continent’s shared heritage and a recognition of its growing role in shaping global affairs.
“Guided by the spirit of Ubuntu, ‘I am because we are’, our continent continues to champion solidarity, cooperation and shared humanity in an increasingly uncertain world.
“Over the past year, Africa’s voice has continued to gain prominence on the global stage. Our permanent membership in the G20 marks a historic step towards ensuring that Africa participates fully in global economic decision making and contributes meaningfully to international solutions on peace, climate, food security, trade, health and sustainable development,” he said.
The AU also continues to advance institutional reforms aimed at building a stronger, more effective and more responsive union capable of delivering on the aspirations of its peoples.
“This year’s African Union theme of the year, ‘Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063’, highlights the importance of water security, climate resilience, public health and sustainable development as essential foundations for Africa’s future,” he said.
The United Nations weighed in saying: “Today and every day, the United Nations is proud to work with African countries to build the peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future all Africans — and our world — deserve.”
Posting on its official X handle, the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe joined in celebrating “the African continent’s rich history, vibrant cultures, shared aspirations, valued solidarity and boundless potential”.
“China remains a steadfast partner, committed to mutual respect, win-win cooperation and common development.
“China is proud to implement zero-tariff treatment for exports from 53 African countries, granting duty-free access to the entire Chinese market.
“This concrete measure will further boost African exports, accelerate industrialisation and create new opportunities for shared prosperity.”
China added that it looks forward to Zimbabwe playing an active, constructive role, resolutely articulating the aspirations of Africa and the Global South on the international stage, upon election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
The Russian Embassy in Zimbabwe posted on its official X handle a message from President Vladimir Putin which said: “Russia attaches great importance to strengthening its traditionally friendly ties with African states.”
Indonesian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Arief Hidayat said Africa Day was an important moment to celebrate African unity, identity, resilience and progress.
“On the occasion of Africa Day, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to all our Zimbabwean colleagues and friends.
“Indonesia deeply values its long-standing friendship with Africa, including with Zimbabwe, built on the spirit of solidarity, mutual respect and cooperation.
“May this special day bring renewed inspiration for peace, development, and stronger partnership among nations,” he said.
Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri said Africa’s journey to liberation remains one of the greatest inspirations in modern human history.
“On this auspicious occasion of Africa Day, the people of Palestine extend their warmest congratulations and deepest fraternal greetings to the nations, leaderships, and peoples of the African Union.
“Today, we celebrate with you the birth of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union), a historic milestone that symbolised the triumph of the human spirit over colonialism, apartheid and exploitation.
“For decades, the bonds between Palestine and Africa have been forged in the crucible of shared struggle. We remember with profound gratitude the legendary leaders of Africa from Nelson Mandela and Kwame Nkrumah to Ahmed Sékou Touré and Gamal Abdel Nasser, who recognised that our fights for self-determination, dignity and human rights are inextricably linked,” he said.
Ambassador Almassri said as Africa continues to march forward, showcasing vibrant economic growth, cultural brilliance and a unified voice on the global stage, Palestine stands in unwavering solidarity with its vision for a prosperous, peaceful, and fully integrated continent.
“We thank Africa for its steadfast, principled support of the Palestinian cause in international forums. Your voices, rising from a history of overcoming institutionalised oppression, carry a unique moral weight that champions justice, international law, and the right of all peoples to live in freedom,” he said.
