Africa Day, observed annually on May 25th, commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) – now African Union – in 1963. The day is widely recognised as a celebration of African unity, culture, and progress, reflecting on the continent's journey through history, its current advancements, and its aspirations for the future.

One of the core themes of Africa Day is unity. The day serves as a reminder of the strength that lies in solidarity and collaboration among African nations. This unity is not only political but also cultural and social. Africa is home to a vast array of cultures, languages, and traditions, and Africa Day has stood as an opportunity to celebrate this rich diversity. Festivals, parades, music, dance, and art exhibitions are common across the continent, showcasing the vibrancy that the people represent.

While celebrating progress, Africa Day also underscores the on-going challenges that the continent faces. Issues such as poverty, inequality, political instability, and climate change continue to affect many African nations. Africa Day also aims to educate the global community about the continent's history and contributions to the world, challenging stereotypes and promoting a more nuanced understanding of Africa. Over the last decade, platforms like the Africa CEO Forum have served as melting pots for private and public stakeholders to deliberate and chart a path towards the economic upliftment of the continent, and ultimately, global relevance.

Ahead of the commemoration of Africa Day 2024, Access Bank issued a powerful reminder to Africans to assert their rightful place on the global stage. Celebrated under the African Union's theme ‘Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,’ this year's celebration emphasises the transformative power of education amidst the continent's myriad challenges.

Africa is home to over 1.2 billion people speaking more than 3,000 languages across 54 countries, embodying a complex and diverse range of cultures and experiences. Despite this vibrancy, the continent faces significant hurdles in education, with UNESCO and the African Union reporting that more than a quarter of school-age children were out of school in 2023. Furthermore, 9 out of 10 children cannot read or write by the age of 10, highlighting the urgent need for quality education.

Seeking to address these challenges head-on, Access Bank, in partnership with the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, announced a landmark initiative last week aimed at fostering economic transformation across Africa. This initiative, unveiled at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali under the theme, ‘At the Table or on the Menu?’, saw both institutions pledge $300 million over the next 20 years to fund transformative government initiatives across the continent. The commitment will deliver $200 million from Access Bank and $100 million from the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation.

“We can’t wait to be saved; Africans need to solve Africa’s problems. This $300 million commitment reflects this reality,” declared Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings and Co-Founder of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation. His remarks highlighted a growing consensus among African leaders and CEOs at the forum: Africa must demand its seat at the global table and actively participate in shaping its future.

This substantial funding will facilitate the creation of an African-led Super NGO, collaborating with academics, experts, and philanthropists worldwide to bridge the gap between Africa and the rest of the world. The NGO's primary focus will be on supporting African governments in executing transformative reforms, particularly in digital public infrastructure. Such infrastructure is essential for providing citizens with access to the same quality of public goods and services available in more advanced nations.

Aig-Imoukhuede further emphasised the importance of leveraging technology to empower Africa's youth and amplify the continent's voice globally. “We African leaders cannot sit back and watch the 4th Industrial Revolution transform the rest of the world while leaving Africa falling further behind. We have to create our own ‘table’ by using technology to unlock the power of our youth, giving Africa a greater voice in the world. It’s today’s leaders who will determine whether or not we grab this opportunity,” he asserted.

The timing of this initiative is apt, coinciding with recent warnings from World Bank President Ajay Banga, who highlighted the risks of wealthy countries ignoring Africa. The collaborative effort led by Access Bank and the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation aims to demonstrate what can be achieved when visionary public and private sector leaders unite for development. Drawing inspiration from successful models like India Stack, the new African-led NGO will strive to deliver measurable improvements in the lives of millions across the continent.

Even after Africa Day 2024 has been celebrated, Access Bank’s call to action resonates strongly: it is time for Africans to take their place at the table, harnessing education and technology to shape a brighter, more equitable future for all.