The meaning and importance of Africa Day (What day is May 25?)

Africa Day is celebrated every year on May 25th and symbolizes the unity, independence struggle and solidarity of the African continent. The meaning and importance of this day is quite great both historically and culturally. The foundation of Africa Day was laid in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on May 25, 1963. On this date, 32 independent African countries came together and established the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Its aims were: To strengthen solidarity among African countries that were liberated from colonialism To provide political unity across the continent To support social, economic and cultural development In 2002, the African Union (AU), a more comprehensive and effective structure, replaced the OAU. However, May 25th is still celebrated as "Africa Day". TURKEY CELEBRATED AFRICA DAY The Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated Africa Day on social media. In a post shared on the X social media account of the ministry, it was stated that Turkey is a strategic partner of the African Union and that this year marks the 20th anniversary of its gaining observer status in the African Union. Indicating that preparations for the 4th Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit to be held in 2026 are ongoing, the post also included a photo summarizing Turkey-Africa relations. Accordingly, Turkey, which has embassies in 38 African countries, has 44 embassies operating in the continent. In addition to the 211 Maarif Schools providing education to approximately 22 thousand students across the continent, THY also flies to 64 destinations in 41 African countries. Turkey's trade volume with the continent reached 36.7 billion dollars, and the value of approximately 2 thousand projects undertaken by Turkish contractors in Africa reached 92 billion dollars. Turkey became a strategic partner of the African Union in 2008.