On May 29, 2025, the African Heads of Missions in India gathered in New Delhi to mark the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU). The celebration commemorated the historic 1963 summit in Addis Ababa, where African leaders united to chart a new course for the continent—one defined by self-determination, regional integration, and solidarity.
Delivering the keynote address at the event, H.E. Mr. Ermindo Augusto Ferreira, High Commissioner of Mozambique to India and Dean of the African Heads of Missions, extended a warm welcome to dignitaries, ambassadors, and guests, including the Honourable Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of the Government of India.
“It is my great honour to welcome you all as we gather to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union,” he began. “This day marks the historic gathering in Addis Ababa on May 25, 1963, where our leaders lit the flame of unity and solidarity, envisioning a future of peace, progress, and integration for Africa.”
The High Commissioner expressed heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Jaishankar for gracing the event and acknowledged the Ministry of External Affairs for its firm support in nurturing India-Africa relations.
“We extend our gratitude to the Indian business community for their consistent collaboration with the African continent. Your presence today reaffirms the strong and growing economic ties that we are nurturing together,” he said.
Justice Through Reparations: The Theme for 2025
This year’s AU theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” was at the heart of the evening’s reflections. Addressing the theme, Mr. Ferreira stated:
“This theme recognises the long arc of history that includes colonialism, the transatlantic slave trade, and apartheid, and seeks to address the enduring legacies of these injustices. It also highlights contemporary challenges such as systemic racism, economic exclusion, and Africa’s marginalisation in global governance.”
Calling for unity across the African continent and diaspora, he emphasised the need for renewed advocacy for equity and redress.
A Continent on the Rise
The speech also offered an optimistic outlook on Africa’s future, grounded in initiatives like Agenda 2063, the AU’s strategic framework for inclusive and sustainable development, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The AfCFTA not only fosters intra-African trade and industrialisation, but also strengthens Africa’s collective voice and competitiveness in the global economy,” said Mr. Ferreira. With a projected population of 1.4 billion and a GDP expected to double by 2050, the AfCFTA is poised to be a cornerstone of Africa’s economic transformation.
India-Africa Relations: A Model of South-South Cooperation
Praising India’s development model rooted in shared prosperity, Mr. Ferreira noted: “India’s development partnership model, based on shared prosperity and inclusive growth, has meaningfully contributed to Africa’s progress.”
He highlighted the achievements of the India-Africa Forum Summit and expressed anticipation for the upcoming summit as a platform to deepen strategic ties and pursue new paths of cooperation.
An Invitation to Invest in Africa
Recognising Africa’s youthful population, natural resource wealth, and market dynamism, the High Commissioner extended an open invitation to Indian businesses: “Come to Africa. Invest in Africa. Believe in Africa. Together, we can shape a future of shared prosperity.”
A Shared Vision for the Future
In his closing remarks, Mr. Ferreira urged unity and resolve in the face of both obstacles and opportunities. “Let us celebrate our achievements, confront our challenges with courage, and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to the transformation of our continent and the realisation of ‘The Africa We Want.'”
“Long live Africa. Long live the enduring friendship between Africa and India,” he declared.
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