What Sets Africa Apart is What Holds it Together By Tahir Ahmad
Every May 25, Africa stands tall—not just to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, now the African Union (AU)—but to remind the world and ourselves of a profound truth: Africa’s greatest strength lies in its unity through diversity.
This day is more than parades and colorful displays of culture. It is a celebration of a continent woven from thousands of languages, countless ethnicities, myriad religions, and an array of political systems.
From the Sahara’s endless sands to the lush forests of the Congo, from the Nile’s flow to the Cape of Good Hope, Africa’s vastness and variety are stunning. To some outsiders, this diversity has often been viewed as a weakness or a source of division.
But Africans know better—this rich mosaic is the very fabric of our resilience and ingenuity. With over 1.4 billion people, speaking more than 2,000 languages and innovating across art, science, agriculture, and technology, Africa is a powerhouse of creativity and potential.
Yes, we carry the scars of colonialism and face complex challenges today, but our determination to move forward remains unshaken. Africa Day reminds us of this ongoing journey—a journey defined not by perfection, but by persistence.
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This day also serves as a call to action: to rise above borders carved by colonial hands and historical grievances, and instead lean into what unites us. It challenges us to embrace our shared identity, our youthful and energetic population, and the incredible possibilities they represent.
Africa’s dream is not to replicate the West or East but to chart its own path—rooted in our languages, values, and aspirations. Look at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Beyond being a bold economic initiative, it is proof that African unity is achievable and transformative.
When a Ghanaian fintech innovator partners with a Kenyan startup, or a Nigerian filmmaker teams up with South African creatives, we see the continent’s future taking shape—a future where cooperation outshines difference, where ambition knows no borders.
But unity does not demand sameness. It demands respect for diversity, inclusive dialogue, and common commitment to peace, dignity, and prosperity for all Africans.
It means giving voice to every region—from the Sahel to Southern Africa, from the Horn of Africa to the Gulf of Guinea—and creating spaces where African solutions, led by Africans, flourish.
This Africa Day, as we dance and sing, let us also envision what Africa can become—a beacon of innovation, diplomacy, and mutual respect on the global stage. Our diversity is not a barrier; it is our superpower.
Happy Africa Day.
Tahir Ahmad is a NYSC corps member serving at PRNigeria Centre Abuja. He can be reached via: [email protected]
