African leaders and diplomats have called for stronger unity, trade integration, cultural diplomacy, solidarity, and inclusive development across the continent amid Africa’s current security and economic challenges.
They made the appeal during the 2026 Africa Day celebration on Monday night in Abuja, themed: “Advancing Africa’s Integration: The Role of Trade and Cultural Diplomacy.”
The envoys stressed the need for stronger cooperation among Africa’s 55 countries to advance peaceful coexistence, economic integration, and sustainable development in Africa.
Burundi’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana, said Africa must continue to prioritise unity, solidarity, and inclusive development in spite of the prevailing security and economic challenges on the continent.
Nduwimana said Africa’s growing relevance in global governance, including its inclusion in the G20, reflected the continent’s increasing influence in international affairs.
“Africa is not asking for charity. It is asking for fairness, justice, and a legitimate place in the decision-making mechanisms that shape the future of the world,” he said.
He also urged African countries to strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area’s, AfCFTA, implementation to boost intra-African trade, create opportunities for youths, and consolidate the continent’s economic sovereignty.
According to him, African integration remains the continent’s greatest strength and requires stronger solidarity among member states.
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Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, noted that Africa Day was a reminder of the continent’s shared history, struggles and aspirations for unity and prosperity.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described African culture as a vital instrument for peacebuilding, regional integration, and sustainable development, adding that the continent’s diversity should continue to serve as a bridge for stronger cooperation.
She said African countries must continue to act collectively to address insecurity, economic inequality, climate vulnerability, and other developmental challenges confronting the continent.
“Unity remains our most powerful tool in addressing insecurity, economic inequality, climate vulnerability, and persistent injustices of the global order,” she said.
The minister highlighted the disproportionate burden faced by women and children due to poor access to clean water and sanitation facilities across parts of the continent.
According to her, women and children remain the most affected by water insecurity, often facing challenges in accessing safe water and dignified sanitation facilities.
She called for deliberate investment in resilient infrastructure, stronger regional cooperation on shared water resources, and policies that guarantee equitable access to water and sanitation services.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, remained committed to policies that promote sustainable development, regional cooperation, and Africa’s economic transformation.
The celebration featured cultural displays, African cuisine exhibitions, traditional drinks, and presentation, and flag processions by participating in African countries. Reports said.
Representatives from various countries also showcased locally prepared drinks while explaining their nutritional and cultural significance to guests.
Dignitaries at the event included the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria, Salahadeen Abbas; the High Commissioner of Namibia to Nigeria, Humphrey Geiseb; Ambassador of Liberia to Nigeria, John Ballout.
Others were Chadian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abakar Chahaimi; Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Palmero; Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni; Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selestine Kakele; and Angolan counterpart, Jose Zau.
Also in attendance were Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Julius Sandy; Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, Legesse Haile; DR Congo’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Pascaline Yakivu; Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued.
NAN/Shakirat Sadiq
