Africa Day 2026 celebrated in Mauritius with call for unity, progress and transformation

Africa’s journey of resilience, transformation and collective ambition was celebrated yesterday afternoon at the State House in Réduit during a reception organised by the Office of the President, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, to mark Africa Day 2026.

The event was held in the presence of the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Dharam Gokhool; the Vice-President, Mr Robert Hungley; the Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Hambyrajen Narsinghen; the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa, Dr Hlamalani Nelly Manzini; and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

On the occasion, toasts were raised by the diplomats, reflecting a strong spirit of African unity and solidarity.

In his keynote address, President Gokhool described Africa Day as both a celebration of the continent’s achievements and a renewed commitment to its shared future. He recalled the historic signing of the Charter of the Organisation of African Unity in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 25 May 1963, noting that it affirmed Africa’s sovereignty, dignity and determination to speak with one voice on the global stage.

He observed that Africa has, over the decades, made steady progress in strengthening democratic institutions, deepening regional integration and expanding its role in global governance. In this context, he pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area as a landmark initiative, describing it as a major step towards boosting intra-African trade and accelerating structural economic transformation across the continent.

Looking ahead, the President emphasised that Africa’s future will depend on sustained investment in education, digital transformation, innovation and youth empowerment, which he described as key drivers of long-term development. He reaffirmed Mauritius’ commitment to the African Union (AU) and regional cooperation, while underscoring the country’s continued role as a bridge between Africa and other regions in advancing sustainable, inclusive and forward-looking development.

For her part, the High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa paid tribute to the historic efforts of Africa’s founding leaders in advancing continental unity, which she indicated has evolved into the AU and continues to underpin solidarity among African States. She spoke about the importance of preserving and strengthening this unity amid ongoing challenges, including the pursuit of peace and stability across the continent.

Dr Manzini further referred to the AU’s current focus on improving access to clean water and sanitation as a key priority for sustainable development. She also expressed appreciation to the Government of Mauritius for hosting the Africa Day commemoration, highlighting the value of such occasions in reinforcing cooperation among African countries and affirming the continued relevance of collective engagement within the diplomatic community.

26 May 2026

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Topics: Foreign Affairs, Diplomacy