AFRICA DAY 2023 SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE

EDITION
BACKGROUND
Africa Day (formerly African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day)
is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organization of
African Unity on 25 May 1963.
It is celebrated in various countries on the African continent, as well as
around the world.
The organization was transformed into the African Union on 9 July 2002
in Durban, South Africa, but the day continues to be celebrated on 25
May.
This year marks the 60th year of the commemoration of African Unity.
BACKGROUND
The First Congress of Independent African States was held in Accra,
Ghana on 15 April 1958.
It was convened by the then Prime Minister of Ghana Dr. Kwame
Nkrumah and comprised representatives from Egypt (then a constituent
part of the United Arab Republic), Ethiopia, Liberia, Libya, Morocco,
Sudan, Tunisia, the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon and of the host
country Ghana.
The conference showcased progress of liberation movements on the
African continent in addition to symbolizing the determination of the
people of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and
exploitation.
BACKGROUND
The Conference called for the founding of an African Freedom Day, a
day to "...mark each year the onward progress of the liberation
movement, and to symbolize the determination of the people of Africa
to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation."
The conference was notable in that it laid the basis for the subsequent
meetings of African heads of state and government during the
Casablanca Group and the Monrovia Group era, until the formation of
the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963.
The OAU was formed by the signing of a charter by 30 African nations
to improve the living conditions of Africans.
FIVE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT AFRICA
Africa is the second-largest continent in terms of both area and
population.
Despite its size, Africa has the smallest coastline in the globe.
Nigeria, in West Africa, has the highest population in Africa.
Africa is home to the world’s tallest and largest terrestrial
mammals, the giraffe and African elephant, respectively.
There are approximately 2,000 distinct languages and dialects
spoken in Africa.
AFRICA’S NATURAL RESOURCES
Africa is home to some 30 percent of the world’s mineral reserves,
eight per cent of the world’s natural Gas and 12 per cent of the
world’s oil reserves.
The continent has 40 percent of the world’s gold and up to 90
percent of its chromium and platinum.
The largest reserves of cobalt, diamonds, platinum, and uranium in
the world are in Africa.
It holds 65 per cent of the world’s arable land and ten percent of
the planet’s internal renewable fresh water source.
AFRICA’S NATURAL RESOURCES
In most African countries, natural capital accounts for between 30
percent and 50 percent of total wealth.
Over 70 per cent of people living in sub-Saharan Africa depend on
forests and woodlands for their livelihoods.
Land is an economic development asset as well as a socio-cultural
resource.
A significant share of these resources is, however, used unsustainably
while others are lost through illegal activities, meaning that the stream of
benefits generated from these resources is being reduced over time
AFRICA’S AGENDA 2063
The AU now has a clear set of goals to be achieved by 2063.
Collaborating with the United Nations (UN) and synchronized with its
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agenda 2063 sets measurable
targets that will be monitored regularly.
The fundamental list of aspirations with unanimous agreement of all member
countries is as follows:
1. A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.
2. An integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan
Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance (African Traditional
Religion).
AFRICA’S AGENDA 2063
3. An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice,
and the rule of law
4. A peaceful and secure Africa
5. An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values, and ethics.
6. An Africa where development is people-driven, unleashing the potential of
its women and youth.
7. Africa as a strong, united, and influential global player and partner.
AFRICA’S PRESENT CHALLENGES
1. POLITICAL
Political crisis in some nations resulting from coups, and conflicts.
Political violence
Poor governance and abuse of political power resulting in spikes of protests,
uprisings and political unrests
Threats of terrorism and territorial insecurity
Threats of neo-colonialism due to the rich resources the continent has (The
Chinese infiltration and subtle control of Africa’s resources).
AFRICA’S PRESENT CHALLENGES
2.ECONOMIC
Corruption and resources mismanagement
o Poor infrastructural development
o High cost of living and doing business
o Poverty
Overdependence on imports of finished goods as against raw material exports. This
threatens the spirit of creativity and innovation and adversely affects local
businesses.
Unfavourable economic conditions including high inflation, high indebtedness resulting
from constant borrowing to finance projects, etc.
AFRICA’S PRESENT CHALLENGES
3. SOCIAL
Outmoded cultural practices including FGM, puberty rites, widowhood rites and
witchcraft accusations
Crimes including kidnappings, prostitution, drug and substance abuse, armed
robberies, cyber fraud, etc.
Domestic violence
Child Labour
Gender inequality
Social injustice
AFRICA’S PRESENT CHALLENGES
4. Environmental
Droughts
Floods and landslides
Poor sanitation practices
Illegal mining
Sand winning
Desertification
Environmental degradation
AFRICA’S PRESENT CHALLENGES
5. Health
Food insecurity and malnutrition
Lack of access to potable water
Exposure to sicknesses and diseases due to poor sanitation practices
Poor health infrastructure and health services
PRAYERS FOR AFRICA
1. Plead for mercy and atonement for the many setbacks that Africa struggles with.
2. Pray for a mighty visitation of the Holy Spirit into Africa to bring an end to the
spikes of political unrests, violence, civil wars and political crises.
3. Pray that the Holy Spirit will shake the governance structure of African nations
leading to the birthing of the Nehemiah company of righteous leaders and public
office holders to bring about the development Africa needs.
4. Pray for the revival of the economy of Africa and for the raising of economists
after the order of Joseph to deliver African nations from debts, corruption and
economic mismanagement and enforce policies to revive falling African economies.
5. Pray for the mighty move of the Holy Spirit to bring about a drastic decline in
crimes, domestic violence, social injustice and gender inequality.
PRAYERS FOR AFRICA
6. Pray for the move of the Holy Spirit upon the church in Africa to arise and spread
the gospel of Christ and engage in active discipleship of the continent’s younger
generation for Christ.
7. Pray for the healing of the land and restoration of the environment of Africa
through Holy Spirit-led policies aimed at improving sanitation and reducing
exposures to health hazards.
8. Pray that the much prophesied revival that must spring from Africa will begin to
spring forth and affect all the nations on the continent.