In 2013, the African Union (AU) launched Agenda 2063, a transformative initiative aimed at turning Africa into a sovereign, peaceful, and prosperous continent by 2063, with a focus on fostering integration and development across African nations. The initiative seeks to promote renewed growth and an African renaissance in the 21st century. Various African countries, such as Ghana and Kenya, are working with the AU on projects supporting these goals, including Ghana’s stance on reparations and Kenya’s involvement in climate justice.
Cote d’Ivoire is leading the second decade of Agenda 2063, while Togo plays a key role in the African Single Air Transport Market. In February 2021, Togo successfully advocated for the AU to designate 2021-2031 as the “Decade of African Roots and the African Diaspora.” This initiative aims to strengthen the relationship between Africa and its diaspora, defined by the AU as individuals of African descent living outside the continent who are committed to Africa’s development.
A key activity under Agenda 2063 is the 9th Pan-African Congress, which Togo will host following the AU Declaration Assembly/AU/Dec.22(XXXVI) made at the Conference of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from February 18-19, 2023. This Congress continues the historic tradition of pan-African gatherings initiated by figures like Henry Sylvester Williams, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Kwame Nkrumah, aiming to unite African populations and address shared challenges.
The pan-African movement’s primary goal is to ensure historical continuity and address contemporary issues, such as Africa’s decolonization, justice inequities, human rights, economic integration, and the reform of international institutions like the United Nations Security Council. African leaders have long advocated for these reforms to better align global governance with Africa’s needs. Intellectuals and leaders from Africa and the Caribbean, particularly from the African diaspora, are united in calling for the reform of the United Nations and other multilateral institutions to create a world order that respects national sovereignty. In this context, Togo, in partnership with the AU, has initiated the 9th Pan-African Congress.
To ensure broad inclusivity and engagement, the African Union’s High Committee has organized six pre-congress events across various regions. These events aim to engage diverse stakeholders and build momentum for the 9th Pan-African Congress:
- Southern Africa Pre-Congress: Held in South Africa on December 4-5, 2023, focusing on “Pan-Africanism, Science, Knowledge, and Technology.”
- West Africa Pre-Congress: Scheduled in Mali on March 14-15, 2024, discussing “Diaspora, Afro-descendants, and Development.”
- North Africa Pre-Congress: Morocco will host the event on April 18, 2024, centered on “Pan-Africanism and Migration.”
- Central Africa Pre-Congress: The Republic of Congo will hold this on May 24, 2024, focusing on “Economic Pan-Africanism and African Emergence.”
- East Africa Pre-Congress: Tanzania’s event will take place on July 6, 2024, dedicated to “Africanity, Cultures, Education, and Pan-African Identity.”
- Diaspora Pre-Congress: Held in Salvador Bahia, Brazil, from August 29-31, 2024, addressing “Pan-Africanism, Memory, Restitution, Reparation, and Reconstruction.”
These gatherings bring together political leaders, business figures, scholars, activists, and youth to discuss critical issues such as migration, sustainable development, intra-African trade, reparations, cultural restitution, and the diaspora’s role in emancipation. A key theme emerging from these events is the promotion of an endogenous philosophy centered in Africa, particularly the Ubuntu Philosophy, which emphasizes unity, interconnectedness, and mutual respect.
The Salvador pre-congress brought together distinguished participants from over 50 nations, providing a platform to address historical injustices faced by African peoples and advocate for reparations. A significant proposal from the assembly was to designate Salvador, Bahia, as the seat of Africa’s sixth region, symbolizing the African diaspora’s representation.
Brazil, a founding member of the BRICS bloc, advocates for a decentralized, polycentric world and calls for substantial reforms in global governance. The country began its G20 presidency on December 1, 2023, after succeeding India. Brazil will host the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 18-19, 2024, and will transfer the presidency to South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, marking an important milestone for Africa on the global stage.
Brazil, home to the largest population of African descent outside of Africa, holds significant potential to enhance Pan-African initiatives, particularly in Bahia, where over 70% of the population identifies as Afro-Brazilian. The establishment of a sixth regional seat in Salvador could strengthen these efforts, further linking Africa with its diaspora.
The upcoming 9th Pan-African Congress in Lomé aims to engage various African regions through a robust framework and has successfully mobilized the African community since its historic launch on May 22, 2023. The regional pre-congresses have become key moments for advancing Pan-African ideals.
The 9th Pan-African Congress presents a critical opportunity to unify diverse Pan-African initiatives and address major issues, such as reforming international institutions, reparations, restitution of cultural artefacts, and the collective memory of Africa. Pan-Africanism, grounded in historical struggles, also offers a contemporary framework for ongoing challenges, providing a foundation for future battles for both Africa and its diaspora.
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