The President of the United Africa Royal Assembly (UARA), Prince Estifanos Matewos, has called upon Africans across the continent and throughout the global diaspora to recommit themselves to the founding ideals of Pan-African unity, economic self-determination, and continental integration as Africa commemorates Africa Day 2026.
In his Africa Day Message, Prince Estifanos Matewos extended warm greetings to the peoples of Africa and Pan-Africanists worldwide, describing Africa Day as both a celebration of the continent’s achievements and a renewed call to advance the enduring vision of African unity, solidarity, and renaissance.
“As we commemorate the founding vision of continental unity and solidarity, we are reminded that Africa’s destiny shall not be secured through division, but through a renewed commitment to our shared heritage, common aspirations, and collective responsibility to future generations,” Prince Matewos stated.
The UARA President emphasised the continuing importance of Africa’s traditional institutions, kingdoms, chiefdoms, and royal houses as custodians of cultural identity, social cohesion, and community values. He noted that traditional leadership remains an important pillar in promoting peace, preserving indigenous knowledge systems, and strengthening the social fabric of African societies.
Addressing the continent’s development trajectory, Prince Matewos identified economic sovereignty as the next frontier of African liberation. He observed that political independence remains incomplete while African economies continue to rely heavily on the export of raw materials and the importation of finished products. He called for accelerated industrialisation, strengthened intra-African trade, resilient value chains, and greater local beneficiation of Africa’s natural resources to ensure that the continent’s wealth directly benefits its people and communities.
Prince Matewos further highlighted the transformative potential of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing them as historic frameworks capable of driving Africa towards greater productivity, innovation, and global competitiveness. He encouraged traditional leaders to actively support these continental initiatives through community mobilisation, governance support, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge that can contribute to sustainable development.
The statement also underscored the critical importance of unity in shaping Africa’s future. Prince Matewos stressed that the continent’s prosperity, peace, and influence on the global stage would ultimately depend on the choices Africans make collectively and their willingness to embrace cooperation over division.
“As Africans, we must recognise that united we amplify Africa’s voice in global affairs and realise the prosperous, peaceful, and integrated continent envisioned by our founding fathers,” he said.
In a strong appeal for social cohesion and solidarity, Prince Matewos condemned all forms of Afrophobia, xenophobia, and exclusion that continue to threaten African unity. He reaffirmed that no African should be regarded as a foreigner within Africa and called for borders to serve as bridges of cooperation rather than barriers to integration.
“We must resolutely reject all forms of Afrophobia, xenophobia, and exclusion. No African is foreign in Africa. Our diversity should be a source of strength rather than division, and the bonds forged through our shared history and common aspirations are far more powerful than those forces that seek to fragment our continent,” he stated.
The United Africa Royal Assembly reiterated its commitment to advancing African unity, promoting the role of traditional leadership in governance and development, and supporting initiatives that contribute to peace, economic growth, cultural preservation, and the realisation of the African Renaissance.
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