06 Jun 2023

Botswana is confident in the mandate of the African Union (AU) and is fully committed to its ideas and vision of the Agenda 2063.

This was said by permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Gladys Mokhawa at this year’s Africa Day Celebration and Fashion Show held at Travel Lodge recently.    The celebration that was hosted by African embassies and high commissions in Botswana showcased the diverse African cuisine, music, dance, culture and fashion. The event also featured an exhibition of various artifacts and craftwork to mark the celebration of the continent’s rich cultural heritage, from the 13 African countries that were represented.

 Dr Mokhawa thanked the organisers, saying the cultural event provided great opportunity for Africans to celebrate their achievements and reflect on challenges faced by the continent in its effort to realise an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.

Welcoming guests earlier, Angola Ambassador to Botswana and also Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Beatriz Morais said the annual celebration of Africa Day on May 25 marked the day of the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on May 15, 1963, which later became AU in Durban, South Africa, in 2002.

This year, she said the celebration marked 60th anniversary of the creation of the AU and also provided an opportunity for all AU member countries to renew their commitment to the ideas and aspirations of the union for the promotion of Pan African values, peace and security, as well as development of the African people. She appreciated the African citizens for their perseverance, adding that this year’s celebration also coincided with the acceleration of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which was one of the 13 flagship projects of Agenda 63 aimed at eliminating trade barriers to create a single continental marker to fully benefit the African citizens.

Meanwhile, Algeria Ambassador to Botswana, Ambassador Moural Adjabi expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies and high commissions for their dedication and motivation in ensuring the day’s celebration was a success.

The cultural event was also graced by the Ministers of Defence and Security and Labour and Home Affairs, Mr Kagiso Mmusi and Ms Annah Mokgethi, respectively. ENDS