The Big Day African Countries Decided to Talk to Each Other
This week, ANAKids takes you on a journey through the major moments that helped shape today’s Africa. After gaining independence, African countries realized they needed to move forward together to become stronger. Why did African leaders decide to create a common organization? How was this idea of unity born? Through this special series, discover the events and the women and men who imagined a more united Africa focused on the future.
Now that the countries are free, they must learn how to build their future.
On May 25, 1963, leaders from several African countries gathered in a large city called Addis Ababa. They came from different parts of the continent, but they shared the same idea: helping one another and working together.
During this important meeting, they discussed key issues such as peace, education, healthcare, and the future of children. They understood that alone, countries could be vulnerable, but together, they could become stronger.
At the end of the meeting, they decided to create an organization called the Organization of African Unity. This became a very important moment in African history because it showed that freedom alone was not enough — countries also needed to learn how to unite. That is why, every year on May 25, Africa Day is celebrated to remember the creation of the Organization of African Unity. It is a bit like a big team made up of many countries across the continent.
Today, this organization is called the African Union. It helps African countries discuss together, solve problems, and build a more stable future.
