Africa Day 2025 in Ottawa amplifies diaspora voices for a stronger, united continent
Saturday 31 May 2025
By Ijeoma Ukazu, Editorial Associate
Held to celebrate African unity and highlight the vital role of its global diaspora in shaping the continent’s future, Africa Day 2025 in Ottawa brought together the African Diplomatic Corps and community partners for a day of dialogue, culture, and commitment. The event sought to bridge continents through shared heritage and reaffirm Africa’s rightful place on the global stage through the voices and contributions of its diaspora.
Celebrated annually on May 25, Africa Day commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) in 1963. This year’s celebration, held at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, was transformed into a vibrant gathering under the theme “Voices of the African Diaspora and the Africa We Want.” Attendees experienced thought-provoking panel discussions and rich cultural performances—including music and dance—that showcased the resilience, creativity, and strength of Africans across the globe.
“The significance of celebrating Africa lies in commemorating the continent’s freedom and liberation,” said Prof. Nduka Otiono, Director of the Institute of African Studies at Carleton University. “It is a day for Africans—and those who love Africa—to show the world that the continent is a force to reckon with. More importantly, it’s a call for African youth to define the Africa they want, after centuries of being spoken about in negative and degrading terms.”
From discussions on diplomacy to policy advocacy, the panels reflected a growing movement among Africans abroad—not only to stay connected to their roots, but to actively participate in shaping the continent’s transformation.
The first panel featured members of the African Diplomatic Corps, focusing on bridging diplomacy, diaspora communities, and continental development. Moderated by Evalyne Aijuka, CEO of Stand Out Africa, the session included voices like Ambassador Gline Clarke of Barbados, Ambassador Abba Zanna-Kawu of Nigeria, Moni Manyange, Deputy Head of the Kenyan High Commission, and Helen Kasozi, Minister Counsellor at the Uganda High Commission.
The panelists emphasized that Africa’s development must be directed by Africans themselves, not dictated by outside forces. They envisioned an Africa led by strategic investment, cultural pride, and a rejection of exploitative systems. They affirmed that Africa must not be dominated by greed or foreign influence, but should rise as a continent that continues to lead.
During her remarks on Canada’s Africa strategy and the importance of long-term partnerships with the African diaspora, Cheryl Urban, Assistant Deputy Minister for Africa and Pan-Geographic Affairs at Global Affairs Canada, emphasized the need for a more intentional approach. “Canada should do a better job of utilizing the talent and expertise of Africans in Canada,” she said, noting the diaspora’s potential role as a bridge between the two regions.
The second panel tackled the strengths, challenges, and aspirations of the diaspora, focusing on their influence in global spaces and the need to increase political lobbying. Speakers noted the importance of unity, strategy, and intentional action in ensuring Africa’s voice is heard worldwide. “Africa is a bridge,” one panelist concluded. “There is nothing without us.”
The third discussion focused on religious and community voices as vital contributors to the continent’s future. Dr. Kalu Macauley, Secretary-General and Chairman of AU6RG, underscored the critical role of policy influence.
“We need to build an African platform with policy influence,” he said. “That is why the African Union is giving us a seat at the table. The diaspora must no longer be an afterthought in policymaking—even here in Canada.”
Dr. Macauley was unapologetic in his assertion of Africa’s strength: “Africa is not a continent of pity. We’re not asking for handouts—we’re asking for trade. We have what it takes in every capacity. Africa is not a problem to be solved but a solution in itself.”
Prof. Anne Bowker, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Carleton University, praised the Institute of African Studies for its role in organizing the event. She emphasized the academic value of Africa Day for young Canadians:
“Events like this offer students unique opportunities to engage with Africa and the diaspora in thoughtful, rigorous, and collaborative ways. It also provides experiential learning and insight into career paths through African Studies.”
She noted that the event aligns with both Canada’s first operative Africa strategy and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, a blueprint for inclusive and sustainable development on the continent.
Delivering the keynote address earlier, Prosper Higiro, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Canada and Dean of African Heads of Mission in Ottawa, outlined the milestones of Agenda 2063. He said the first phase, which ran from 2013 to 2023, focused on flagship projects and institutional reform. The second phase, from 2024 to 2033, will build on that foundation.
He highlighted key initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the integrated high-speed rail network, which are being actively implemented to drive growth and connectivity across the continent.
Earlier in the program, John Adeyefa, President of the African Canadian Association of Ottawa (ACAO), shared ACAO’s grassroots initiatives aimed at uplifting the local African diaspora. These include the African Hockey Association, youth placement programs, and senior citizen support services—efforts designed to foster inclusion and reduce isolation.
Africa Day 2025 in Ottawa was more than a celebration—it was a collective call to action. By elevating the voices of the diaspora, reinforcing academic and policy collaboration, and embracing cultural pride, the event echoed a common refrain: the Africa we want is not only possible—it’s already in the making.
