Lomé: In 2013, the African Union (AU) made a significant advancement in the realm of Pan-Africanism with the launch of Agenda 2063. This comprehensive plan is designed to transform Africa into a sovereign, peaceful, and prosperous continent with a crucial role in global affairs by 2063. A crucial element of Agenda 2063 is pan-Africanism, which seeks to enhance connections among African nations and foster integrated development with the ambition of marking the 21st century as a period of African renaissance.
According to Cameroon News Agency, various countries have been designated to lead specific initiatives under Agenda 2063. For instance, Ghana has championed reparations, while Kenya advocates for climate justice. Côte d’Ivoire has been tasked with leading the second decade of Agenda 2063, and Togo has emerged as a leader in the African Single Air Transport Market initiative. In February 2021, the Togolese government succeeded in convincing the African Union Conference of Heads of State and Government to d
eclare 2021 to 2031 as the ‘Decade of African Roots and the African Diaspora.’
The ‘Decade of African Roots and the African Diaspora’ aims to build stronger connections between Africa and its diaspora, which includes individuals of African descent residing outside the continent willing to contribute to Africa’s development. One of the key initiatives within this framework is the organization of the 9th Pan-African Congress, entrusted to Togo following a decision made during the AU conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February 2023.
The Pan-African Congress continues a long tradition of gatherings aimed at unifying African populations and addressing shared challenges, emphasizing solidarity and cooperation, which are central to African identity. Historically, the movement has tackled critical issues such as decolonization, justice, universal dignity, apartheid eradication, and economic integration. Today, the movement continues to emphasize justice and human rights while also advocating for reform of inte
rnational institutions, notably the United Nations Security Council, to better align with Africa’s aspirations.
With widespread calls for reform, particularly from voices in Africa and the Caribbean, Togo, alongside the African Union, has initiated the 9th Pan-African Congress under the theme ‘Renewal of Pan-Africanism and Africa’s Role in Reforming Multilateral Institutions: Mobilising Resources and Reinventing Our Agency.’ To prepare for this significant event, six pre-congresses were held across various African regions and the diaspora.
These pre-congresses, hosted by countries such as South Africa, Mali, Morocco, the Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Brazil, addressed themes ranging from science and technology to economic Pan-Africanism and cultural restitution. They brought together political figures, business leaders, scholars, and others to discuss critical issues such as migration, resource mobilization, and the role of the diaspora in Africa’s emancipation.
A significant outcome of the diaspora pre
-congress in Brazil was the proposal to designate Salvador, Bahia, as the seat of Africa’s sixth region, representing the diaspora. Brazil, which hosts the largest population of African descent outside the continent, advocates for a decentralized global governance structure and significant reforms in global institutions.
The upcoming 9th Pan-African Congress in Lomé represents a strategic effort to mobilize various African regions and communities around the ideals of Pan-Africanism. It provides a historic platform for unparalleled mobilization on pressing issues like international institution reform, reparations, restitution of cultural artifacts, and collective memory.
The Congress signifies not only a reflection on past struggles but a framework for addressing contemporary challenges and a vision for future efforts to unify Africa and its diaspora.