Here are 10 quotes from some African leaders on Africa Day

Africa Day is celebrated every year on 25th May to reflect Africa's journey and unity. It marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963. These quotes from some African leaders on Africa Day highlight their pride, vision, and hopes for the continent's future.

Key takeaways

• Africa Day commemorates the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).
• On this special day, Africans at home and in the diaspora celebrate the day with 'unity' as the watchword.
• It promotes African unity and solidarity among nations, peoples, and cultures across the continent.
• The day highlights progress and challenges, reflecting on Africa's achievements and struggles.

Quotes from some African leaders on Africa Day in English

Africa gained its independence from colonial rule through the courage and wisdom of visionary leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Nelson Mandela. These heroes fought for freedom, unity, and dignity.

Today, their words still inspire and guide the continent. Below are some inspirational quotes from some African leaders on Africa Day.

1. We must unite now or perish… We must recognise that our economic independence resides in our African union and requires the same concentration upon the political achievement. – Kwame Nkrumah
2. Unite we must. Without necessarily sacrificing our sovereignties, we can forge a political union based on defence, foreign affairs and diplomacy, and a common citizenship, an African currency, a monetary zone and a central bank. We must unite in order to achieve the full liberation of our continent. – Kwame Nkrumah
3. Yet all stock exchanges in the world are preoccupied with Africa's gold, diamonds, uranium, platinum, copper and iron ore. We have been too busy nursing our separate states to understand fully the basic need of our union, rooted in common purpose, common planning and common endeavour. – Kwame Nkrumah
4. We spoke and acted as if, given the opportunity for self-government, we would quickly create utopias. Instead, injustice, even tyranny, is rampant. – Julius ‘Mwalimu’ Nyerere
5. The evolution of humanity says that Africa reaffirms that she is continuing her rise from the ashes. Whatever the setbacks of the moment, nothing can stop us now! Whatever the difficulties, Africa shall be at peace! – Thabo Mbeki
6. I am an African. I owe my being to the hills and the valleys, the mountains and the glades, the rivers, the deserts, the trees, the flowers, the seas, and the ever-changing seasons that define the face of our native land. – Thabo Mbeki
7. We know that Africa is neither French, nor British, nor American, nor Russian, that it is African. We know the objects of the West. Yesterday, they divided us on the level of a tribe, clan, and village…They want to create antagonistic blocs and satellites. – Patrice Émery Lumumba
8. These divisions, which the colonial powers have always exploited the better to dominate us, have played an important role — and are still playing that role — in the suicide of Africa. – Patrice Lumumba
9. Always bear in mind that the people are not fighting for ideas, for the things in anyone's head. They are fighting to win material benefits, to live better and in peace, to see their lives go forward, and to guarantee the future of their children. – Amilcar Cabral
10. There is no much sense in building Africa in sovereign States, independent of each other for we know that it is from our union and from it alone, that we shall draw sufficient strength to assert ourselves in the world. – François Tombalbaye

African sayings on leadership

African wisdom is rich with proverbs and sayings that reflect the continent's deep understanding of leadership, community, and responsibility. These sayings offer timeless lessons on what it means to lead with integrity, courage, and wisdom. Here are famous quotes on leadership.

• A leader who does not take advice is not a leader for long.
• Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it.
• If the leader is good, the people will be good.
• A single bracelet does not jingle.
• You learn how to cut down trees by cutting them down.
• Even the best cooking pot will not produce food.
• Rain does not fall on one roof alone.
• If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
• Leadership is not a crown; it is a responsibility.
• He who thinks he is leading and has no one following him is only taking a walk.

Short quotes from some African leaders on Africa Day

Africa Day is a special time to honour the continent's unity, progress, and resilience. African leaders often use this day to share messages of hope, pride, and vision. Here are short African leaders' quotes on Africa Day that continue to inspire.

1. Africa must unite or perish. – Julius Nyerere
2. Africa's success lies in our hands. – Nana Akufo-Addo
3. We must build the Africa we want. – Cyril Ramaphosa
4. The future of Africa lies in unity. – Kwame Nkrumah
5. Africa is no longer the sleeping giant. – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
6. We are the generation that will change Africa. – Uhuru Kenyatta
7. Africa will shape the future, not just be shaped by it. – Akinwumi Adesina
8. The time has come for Africans to take charge of their destiny. – Thabo Mbeki
9. Africa's story has been written by others; we need to own it and tell it ourselves. – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
10. Let us now think of Africa, not as a continent in need, but a continent of growth. – Paul Kagame
11. Africa's story has been written by others; we need to own our problems and solutions and write our story. – Paul Kagame

What is a powerful quote about Africa?

"Africa's story has been written by others; we need to own it and tell it ourselves." This quote by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reminds Africans of the importance of reclaiming their narrative and celebrating their identity through their voices.

What is an African quote about leadership?

"He who thinks he is leading and has no one following him is only taking a walk." This African proverb teaches that true leadership is measured by the ability to inspire and guide others, not just by holding a title.

What is the message of Africa Day?

Africa Day celebrates the continent's unity, independence, and progress since the formation of the Organisation of African Unity. It reminds Africans of the importance of solidarity, shared history, and building a better future together.

Who were the leaders in Africa?

Prominent African leaders include Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Nelson Mandela of South Africa, and Nnamdi Azikiwe of Nigeria. These pioneers played key roles in the fight for independence and laid the foundation for modern African governance.

Quotes from some African leaders on Africa Day serve as a reminder of the continent's strength, unity, and resilience. Their words inspire hope and encourage Africans to work together for a brighter future. As we reflect on these messages, we honour their legacy and reaffirm our commitment to Africa's growth and unity.

Yen.com.gh recently published a list of funny and witty Happy Mother's Day wishes to brighten mum's day. Mother's Day is one of the most critical days for mothers worldwide.

This is a day when mothers are appreciated and allowed to relax as the family, loved ones, and friends take it upon themselves to show their care. To culminate the day in the best way possible, sharing funny and witty happy Mother's Day 2025 wishes will work to crown it all up.

Source: YEN.com.gh