Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe on Sunday joined the rest of the continent in commemorating the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), with President Emmerson Mnangagwa making a renewed call for African unity, economic freedom, and justice for people of African descent.

In an address to mark Africa Day, the President hailed the day as a moment of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to the continent’s founding ideals—freedom, solidarity, and self-determination.

“Sixty-two years ago, African nations stood at the crossroads of history, emerging from the shadows of colonial rule and seeking to define the shared destiny of the peoples of this great Continent. The establishment of the OAU was undoubtedly a bold declaration that Africa was no longer willing to be divided by oppressive racist regimes,” said President Mnangagwa.

He said the country paid tribute to the sacrifices of liberation heroes across the continent, highlighting the pivotal role of the OAU’s Liberation Committee in supporting the country’s struggle for independence, highlighting the the freedom being enjoyed by the continent did not come easily, but, instead it was earned through the blood, sweat and sacrifice of Africa’s sons and daughters.

With this year’s AU theme focusing on “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” Zimbabwe joined the continental call for the return of looted cultural artefacts and human remains still held by former colonial powers.

Looking to the future, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed his commitment to the AU’s Agenda 2063 and regional economic integration through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He vowed to harness the country’s natural resources and home-grown solutions for sustainable development.

“Unity is our greatest strength. The emphatic calls made those decades ago, with regards to the importance of solidarity among African nations; ‘African solutions to African problems’ and the importance of Africa’s natural resources to benefit her peoples, must echo louder in our present time.

“The freedom we enjoy today across our motherland, and mother Continent of Africa was not handed over on a silver platter. It was the result of unparalleled sacrifice of the gallant sons and daughters of the soil, many of whom paid with their lives,” he said.

The President also addressed pressing global issues, calling for a more inclusive and representative global political and financial system.

“Africa’s voice must be heard,” he declared, particularly on matters such as climate change, debt, and economic inequality adding that the current international system must be reformed to reflect the realities and needs of African nations.

He pledged continued cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and with the African Diaspora, acknowledging the vital role of Africans abroad in the continent’s development.

In a warning against the threat of neo-colonialism, he made a rallying cry: “Never again should our continent be under foreign subjugation. The unity, peace, and prosperity of Africa depend on all of us—both on the continent and in the Diaspora.”

As the continent celebrates Africa Day, Zimbabwe’s message was clear—Africa must remain united, vigilant, and determined to secure a just and prosperous future for all its people.