{"id":9334,"date":"2025-05-26T09:20:18","date_gmt":"2025-05-26T09:20:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/?p=9334"},"modified":"2025-05-26T09:22:07","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T09:22:07","slug":"9334","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/en\/9334\/","title":{"rendered":"Africa Day 2025: Honoring the Past, Committing to the Future with CAFRAD"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-9 vc_col-md-9&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1452702342137{padding-right: 45px !important;}&#8221;][vc_custom_heading source=&#8221;post_title&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_class=&#8221;no_stripe&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748251188940{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div dir=\"auto\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-9335 \" src=\"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Copie-de-Brown-Abstract-African-National-Congress-Foundation-Day-Instagram-Post-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Copie-de-Brown-Abstract-African-National-Congress-Foundation-Day-Instagram-Post-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/cafrad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Copie-de-Brown-Abstract-African-National-Congress-Foundation-Day-Instagram-Post-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/cafrad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Copie-de-Brown-Abstract-African-National-Congress-Foundation-Day-Instagram-Post-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/cafrad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Copie-de-Brown-Abstract-African-National-Congress-Foundation-Day-Instagram-Post-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/cafrad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Copie-de-Brown-Abstract-African-National-Congress-Foundation-Day-Instagram-Post-50x50.png 50w, https:\/\/cafrad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Copie-de-Brown-Abstract-African-National-Congress-Foundation-Day-Instagram-Post-320x320.png 320w, https:\/\/cafrad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Copie-de-Brown-Abstract-African-National-Congress-Foundation-Day-Instagram-Post-900x900.png 900w, https:\/\/cafrad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Copie-de-Brown-Abstract-African-National-Congress-Foundation-Day-Instagram-Post.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Memory, Pride, and Unity: A Living Celebration of African Identity<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Every year on <strong>May 25<\/strong>, Africa marks a highly symbolic date in the continent\u2019s history: <strong>Africa Day<\/strong>. This celebration is far more than a simple historical commemoration. It serves as a true source of inspiration \u2014 a collective moment of remembrance, reflection, and commitment for African peoples and their diaspora around the world.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Established in 1963 following the creation of the <strong>Organization of African Unity (OAU)<\/strong> in Addis Ababa \u2014 which became the <strong>African Union (AU)<\/strong> in 2002 \u2014 this day pays vibrant tribute to the struggles for independence, dignity, unity, and sovereignty. It reflects the vision and drive of the founding fathers of a free and united Africa, committed to political emancipation and self-determination.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>A History of Struggles and Shared Dreams<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">To celebrate Africa Day is to remember the heroic battles against colonialism, apartheid, and foreign domination \u2014 but also to acknowledge the paths of resilience, reconstruction, and affirmation pursued by African societies. It is to recognize the continent\u2019s rich diversity: its linguistic, cultural, artistic, and spiritual heritage; its dynamic youth; its resilient women; its visionary intellectuals; and its rural and urban communities constantly innovating.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Today\u2019s Africa is no longer confined to past narratives. It looks to the future \u2014 strengthened by its human capital, continental ambitions, and its ability to shape a development model rooted in local realities while actively engaging with globalization.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>An Annual Call for Dialogue, Unity, and Civic Engagement<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Across the continent and within the diasporas, <strong>Africa Day<\/strong> is marked by a wide range of initiatives: political forums, citizen debates, cultural events, art exhibitions, film screenings, live performances, participatory workshops, academic conferences\u2026 These activities highlight the vitality of a continent in motion, where citizens\u2019 voices are heard and contribute to building a shared future.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">They also serve as opportunities to address major contemporary challenges:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>youth and its future,<\/li>\n<li>equitable and inclusive access to quality education,<\/li>\n<li>creation of decent, sustainable, and long-term jobs,<\/li>\n<li>ethical, transparent, and participatory governance,<\/li>\n<li>peace, security, and conflict prevention,<\/li>\n<li>climate justice and environmental protection,<\/li>\n<li>regional integration and intra-African mobility,<\/li>\n<li>women\u2019s empowerment and equal opportunities,<\/li>\n<li>digital transition, artificial intelligence, and technological innovation,<\/li>\n<li>migration, demographic growth and dividends,<\/li>\n<li>the building of the rule of law and capable democratic states,<\/li>\n<li>smart infrastructure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Each year, the African Union proposes a central theme that highlights strategic continental priorities while guiding the coordinated efforts of institutions, Member States, development partners, and civil society actors.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>2025 Theme: \u201cEducating an Engaged African Youth: The Key to Transforming the Continent\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In 2025, the African Union places <strong>youth and education<\/strong> at the heart of its priorities. This choice is no coincidence: young people now represent more than 60% of Africa\u2019s population. They are the bearers of tomorrow\u2019s ambitions. By educating, listening to, and fully involving them, Africa can effectively meet both current and future challenges.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This year\u2019s theme calls for <strong>deep, transformative educational reforms<\/strong>, aimed at building learning systems that are:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>inclusive and open to all, regardless of gender, background, or region;<\/li>\n<li>innovative, integrating digital tools, active pedagogy, and indigenous knowledge;<\/li>\n<li>adapted to local economic and social realities;<\/li>\n<li>focused on practical skills, critical thinking, creativity, and civic engagement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This theme aligns with <strong>Agenda 2063<\/strong>, the African Union\u2019s strategic roadmap to build a prosperous, integrated, peaceful, and globally influential continent.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>CAFRAD\u2019s Strategic Role: A Catalyst for Governance and Holistic Human Development<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Within this continental momentum, the <strong>African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD)<\/strong> plays a pivotal role. Based in Rabat, Morocco, and founded in 1962, CAFRAD is the oldest pan-African intergovernmental institution dedicated to public administration modernization and capacity-building in African states.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Its action focuses on <strong>five (5) core pillars<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><strong>Building viable states and promoting good governance<\/strong>, through transparency, accountability, public ethics, and anti-corruption efforts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Developing the skills of executives, leaders, and managers<\/strong>, via continuing education, specialized seminars, and advanced training modules.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fostering institutional innovation and transformational change<\/strong>, supporting digitalization, emerging technologies, and soft skills development.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Knowledge management<\/strong>, through the exchange of best practices and innovative approaches, and facilitating networks and platforms for cooperation among African countries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Promoting African integration and South-South cooperation<\/strong>, by supporting large-scale, integrative projects and strengthening Africa\u2019s position in global value chains (GVCs), while encouraging positive, resilient, and inclusive economies.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Since the election of <strong>Dr. Coffi Dieudonn\u00e9 ASSOUVI<\/strong> as Director-General on July 9, 2024, CAFRAD has embraced the mission of becoming a <strong>continental transformation center<\/strong>, dedicated to shaping a new generation of ethical, authentic, visionary, bold, and transformational leaders \u2014 at the service of systemic transformation and global governance in Africa.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">CAFRAD is now recognized as a <strong>leading Center of Excellence<\/strong>: a place of practical learning, innovative thinking, actionable knowledge, skill development, and talent incubation aligned with the implementation of <strong>Agenda 2063<\/strong>, the <strong>UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)<\/strong>, and the pressing development needs of African countries.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In 2025, CAFRAD is intensifying its efforts to support young public-sector talents. Tailored training programs focus on ethical leadership, civic participation, digital transformation, and a renewed culture of public service.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>A Shared Vision for Africa\u2019s Future<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Africa\u2019s development cannot be achieved without <strong>strong institutions<\/strong>, <strong>responsible governance<\/strong>, and the <strong>active participation of its citizens<\/strong>, especially youth. Education stands as the indispensable foundation for this transformation. Forming a conscious, competent, and engaged generation means preparing an Africa ready to face the challenges of the century.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">CAFRAD\u2019s mission aligns with this vision. It supports the African Union\u2019s broader objectives, while responding to the deep aspirations of African populations. It exemplifies the potential of pan-African cooperation to deliver lasting impact through <strong>collective intelligence in the service of the common good<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>A Call for Collective Mobilization<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Africa Day is a powerful moment full of symbolism \u2014 but above all, it is a <strong>call to action<\/strong>. It is a time to renew our belief in African unity, intergenerational solidarity, and each country\u2019s ability to take control of its own destiny.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Through this celebration, African peoples reaffirm their determination to build a sovereign, bold, and open continent. They also emphasize the importance of <strong>education as a fundamental right<\/strong> and a lever for social transformation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">As <strong>His Excellency, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda<\/strong>, aptly stated:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\u201cAfrica can only develop with its youth and for its youth. They are not only the future of the continent \u2014 they are its present.\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Conclusion: A Future to Build Together<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">On this <strong>May 25, 2025<\/strong>, let us honor with respect those who paved the way to freedom. Let us celebrate with pride the achievements of our continent. And above all, let us commit \u2014 together and resolutely \u2014 to building a new Africa: inclusive, innovative, rooted in its values, and open to the world.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">That is why <strong>African states<\/strong>, <strong>Regional Economic Communities<\/strong>, and the <strong>African Union<\/strong> must fully integrate <strong>CAFRAD<\/strong> into the continent\u2019s development agendas and establish a regional fund and program for the training of a <strong>new type of African leaders<\/strong>, to be administered by this pan-African organization.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">CAFRAD is doing its part \u2014 and more. It is actively collaborating with the <strong>Tamkine Foundation<\/strong> on the <strong>Call for the Decade 2026\u20132036 as the Decade of Education<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Happy Africa Day 2025!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Long live African unity! Let the youth of the continent shine!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][stm_spacing lg_spacing=&#8221;80&#8243; md_spacing=&#8221;80&#8243; sm_spacing=&#8221;30&#8243; xs_spacing=&#8221;20&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243; offset=&#8221;vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs&#8221;][stm_sidebar sidebar=&#8221;527&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1602029642150{margin-bottom: -60px !important;background-color: #ffc80a !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_cta h2=&#8221;Envie D&#8217;\u00eatre Renseign\u00e9 Sur Tous Les \u00e9v\u00e9nements du CAFRAD?&#8221; h2_font_container=&#8221;font_size:24px|color:%23000000|line_height:24px&#8221; h2_use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; add_button=&#8221;right&#8221; btn_title=&#8221;Nos \u00e9v\u00e9nements&#8221; btn_style=&#8221;flat&#8221; btn_color=&#8221;theme_style_2&#8243; btn_align=&#8221;right&#8221; btn_i_align=&#8221;right&#8221; btn_i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-chevron-right&#8221; use_custom_fonts_h2=&#8221;true&#8221; btn_button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; btn_add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1602029653171{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #ffc80a !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_cta][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-9 vc_col-md-9&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1452702342137{padding-right: 45px !important;}&#8221;][vc_custom_heading source=&#8221;post_title&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_class=&#8221;no_stripe&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748251188940{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;] Memory, Pride, and Unity: A Living Celebration of African Identity Every year on May 25, Africa marks a highly symbolic date in the continent\u2019s history: Africa Day. This celebration is far more than a simple historical commemoration. It serves as a true source<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9335,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[121],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9334"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9334"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9334\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9339,"href":"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9334\/revisions\/9339"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9335"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9334"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9334"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9334"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}