By Roy Lie Atjam
The 2026 Africa Day celebration marks a significant milestone as we commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now recognized as the African Union (AU).
“Sixty-three Years of Unity, Integration, and Development: Let’s Celebrate Together!”
This year’s celebration was centered on the important theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve Agenda 2063,” aligning with the African Union’s vision for 2026.
On May 26, 2026, a diverse crowd gathered to honor this momentous occasion, celebrating the AU’s 63rd anniversary. The event, organized by the African embassies accredited to The Hague, commenced with a powerful rendition of the AU Anthem, setting a tone of pride and solidarity.
During the celebration, a poignant message from H.E. Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and African Union Chairperson for 2026, was shared. He emphasized Africa’s unwavering commitment to tackling its challenges, seizing its opportunities, and fostering unity among its people. Together, we can build a brighter future for our continent!
The Diplomatic Community in the Netherlands came together for a lively and joyful celebration of Africa Day 2026! Attendees included ambassadors and diplomats, representatives from various countries, international organizations, UN agencies, civil society, and the vibrant African diaspora.
Everyone enjoyed delicious African food, refreshing drinks, and lively music, all in a warm atmosphere that truly highlighted Africa’s traditions of hospitality and generosity.
The program featured engaging speeches, including one from H.E. Ambassador Vusi Madonsela of the Republic of South Africa, who serves as the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in the Netherlands, followed by the Netherlands Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Mr Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, the Guest of Honour. We also heard from H.E. Ms. Caroline Chipeta, the Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania, who read a heartfelt letter from H.E. Evariste Ndayishimiye, the President of the Republic of Burundi and the African Union Chairperson for 2026. The letter conveyed a strong message about Africa’s dedication to overcoming challenges, embracing opportunities, and working together in unity. It was a wonderful reminder of the strength and spirit we share as a community!
Here follow the “Welcome remarks by the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Ambassador Vusi Madonsela of the Republic of South Africa on the occasion of the celebration of Africa Day 2026.
Your Excellency Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, Your Excellencies, Your Excellencies, Ambassadors & Heads of International Organizations, Distinguished Guests & Friends of the African continent:
In my capacity as Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I am deeply honoured to be able to sayto you: Karibuni sana, and a very warm welcome to you all here today!
We gather here today to celebrate Africa Day, 24 hours after the actual date that marked the historic founding of the Organisation of African Unity— now the African Union, because May 25 this year coincided with Whit Day which was a public holiday in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.Africa Day marks the continent’s decades of resilience, unity, and shared progress against countless odds. But more than a historical milestone, today is a testament to the dynamic, forward-looking partnerships we are building right here in the Netherlands.
We are deeply honoured to have the Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Mr Sjoerd Sjoerdsma in our midst as our Guest of Honour. Honourable Minister, Your presence here this evening highlights and the engagement you had with the African Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Kingdom of the Netherlands earlier today are indicative of an essential evolving relationship between your country and the African continent.
To all my fellow African Ambassadors and all their diplomatic staff here present, your tireless work bridges cultures and fosters dialogue across borders. This celebration today reflects your hard work and the vibrant diversity that defines our diaspora in the Netherlands.
Honourable Minister, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I invite you to use this Africa Day not only to reflect on our continent’s rich heritage, but to cast your sights into the future—a future filled with opportunities for collaboration to cultivate favourable conditions for smart partnerships for inclusive economic growth, mutual respect, and enduring human solidarity.
Thank you all for being here to celebrate with us. In advance, following the formal programme, I kindly invite you all to experience the spirit of our continent through our music, our arts,,and to to partake of the potpourri of our culinary delights, designed to suit a whole tapestry palate.
Asante sana and enjoy the celebrations!“
