By UN Journal Kayla Lee
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a message on the occasion of Africa Day on May 25, 2025.
In the message, he said, “On Africa Day, we celebrate a continent rich in heritage, vibrant in diversity and remarkable in its contributions to our global community. Africa is home to the world’s youngest population and fast becoming a powerhouse in renewable energy and technological innovation.
“Yet, Africa bears the scars of historic injustices. The legacies of slavery, colonialism, apartheid, and systemic racism still cast long shadows, and entrenched inequalities affect Africans and people of African descent to this day.”
He continued to say, “This year’s theme calls for confronting these shameful legacies. I renew my call for reparatory justice that is grounded in accountability, reconciliation and equity.
“The Pact for the Future, adopted in September, urges greater African representation – particularly at the Security Council – and reforms to the international financial system to support African countries with financing and debt relief. The Pact, through the Global Digital Compact, also seeks to close the digital divide and promote the responsible use of AI technologies.
“At a time when barriers are being erected, Africa leads by example. The African Continental Free Trade Area promises to usher in a new era of economic integration, opening the door to jobs, growth and prosperity.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also said, “At the same time, we must support Africa’s efforts to expand its clean-energy sector, and ensure that the minerals that are critical to the renewables revolution benefit Africans first and most.
“Throughout, we will continue standing with Africa to silence the guns, tackle terrorism, and safeguard human rights for all. On this Africa Day, let us recommit to not only addressing past wrongs, but also to building a sustainable future for the people of Africa grounded in peace, dignity, and opportunity for all.”
Meanwhile, the African Union commemorated Africa Day 2025 with a renewed call to justice, unity, and shared progress. Speaking on behalf of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AUC, delivered a stirring address that reflected on Africa’s historic journey while calling for bold steps toward a just and prosperous future.
This year’s theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” honours the memory of those who suffered under slavery and colonialism, while asserting the right of Africa and its diaspora to truth, justice, and restoration. “While justice and reparations remain long overdue,” the Chairperson affirmed, “Africa will not be held hostage by the pain of its past.”
He continued: “Africa continues to sacrifice and strive towards freedom from conflict, underdevelopment, and war. The continent is steadily building a future of peace, prosperity, and integration.”
Youssouf highlighted Africa’s strategic assets: a youthful and growing population, vast arable land, rich mineral wealth, and abundant renewable energy potential. With its population expected to exceed 2.5 billion by 2050, Africa is not only the continent of the future—it is the engine of global transformation.
The Chairperson also noted the resilience of African economies, with many countries achieving macroeconomic gains and even double-digit growth prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. He commended the dynamism of African youth and women, who are leading community transformation and innovation across the continent.
