By Staff Reporter
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on African nations to strengthen unity, deepen regional cooperation and pursue African-led solutions to the continent’s challenges as Namibia joined the rest of the continent in commemorating Africa Day on Monday.
In her Africa Day message delivered on the occasion of the 25 May 2026 commemoration, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices, courage and solidarity of African liberation movements that fought for the freedom of the continent.
“Today, as Namibia joins the rest of the African continent and the global African family in commemorating Africa Day, we do so with profound pride, reflection, and renewed determination,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
The President noted that Africa’s liberation leaders understood that the freedom of one African nation would remain incomplete while others remained under colonial rule and oppression.
She referenced Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, who declared in 1957 that Ghana’s independence would be meaningless unless linked to the total liberation of Africa.
According to Nandi-Ndaitwah, the spirit of Pan-African solidarity inspired African leaders to establish the Organisation of African Unity in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 25 May 1963, now known as the African Union.
The President said more than six decades later, Africa continues to face mounting global challenges, including geopolitical uncertainty, climate change, public health threats and economic disruptions.
“In these trying times, Africa is once again reminded that now more than ever, Africa needs Africa,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised that the continent possesses immense natural resources, youthful energy and indigenous knowledge, adding that Africa’s greatest strength remains its unity and resilience.
She urged African countries to strengthen regional cooperation, deepen intra-African trade and invest in innovation and institutions that will improve the lives of citizens.
The President also highlighted the significance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying it presents an opportunity to strengthen economic integration, regional value chains and reduce dependence on external systems.
On public health, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the current Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa serves as a reminder of the need for stronger health systems, coordinated continental responses and greater investment in clean water and sanitation.
She further said this year’s Africa Day theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” reflects the importance of water and sanitation in achieving human dignity, economic growth and social stability.
“The theme reminds us that water and sanitation are not merely development goals, but fundamental pillars of human dignity, public health, economic growth, environmental sustainability, peace, and social stability.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed Namibia’s commitment to improving access to potable water and sanitation facilities under the country’s national development agenda, while stressing that government alone cannot achieve these goals.
“The responsibility to protect and preserve our water resources belongs to all of us.”
“Together, as Africans, we can overcome the challenges before us and unlock the immense promise of our continent.”
