Justin Nsengiyumva joined African leaders, policymakers and delegates from across the continent in marking Africa Day, with participants highlighting Africa’s rising influence and its potential to shape the future of global innovation, trade and development.
The celebrations took place in Brazzaville on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDBAM2026), which are being held from May 25 to 29.
Held at the Mfoa Plenary Hall within the Kintélé International Conference Centre, the event brought together heads of state, government officials and delegates to reflect on Africa’s development trajectory, unity and shared aspirations for sustainable growth.
The ceremony featured cultural exhibitions showcasing both traditional and contemporary African heritage, alongside a special session dubbed “Words for Africa,” where leaders shared perspectives on the continent’s future and the role of Africans in driving transformation.
Fidelis Mironko emphasized the importance of strengthening African unity, cooperation and solidarity as pillars for the continent’s long-term progress.
“Unity is one of Africa’s defining strengths. We must continue building on cooperation while respecting our diversity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mathilde Mukantabana described Africa as a continent rich in opportunity, pointing to its natural resources, expanding innovation ecosystem and rapidly growing youth population.
She noted that Africa remains the world’s youngest continent and that by 2050, one in every four people globally is expected to be African — a demographic shift expected to increase the continent’s influence in global conversations on technology, entrepreneurship and economic transformation.
Africa Day is commemorated annually on May 25 to mark the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, which later evolved into the African Union. The day celebrates African unity, liberation and the continent’s collective development ambitions.
