OUAGADOUGOU — The Group of Heads of African Diplomatic and Consular Missions accredited to Burkina Faso, led by the Dean and Ambassador of Morocco to Burkina Faso, Youssef Slaoui, marked Africa Day with a reception celebrating the continent’s cultural diversity and achievements. The annual event, organized by the African Diplomatic Group, is a tribute to the founding fathers of the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union, emphasizing the socio-economic strides made across the continent.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this year’s Africa Day, under the theme “Educating and qualifying Africa for the 21st century,” focuses on building resilient education systems to equip current and future generations with skills relevant to modern demands. The theme highlights significant educational advancements over the last 60 years, including increased enrollment of girls and students in higher education.
The celebration also addressed the growing need for digital skills, with projections indicating that by 2030, around 230 million jobs in Africa will require such expertise. Ambassador Slaoui’s address underscored the necessity for educational practices to evolve, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving among African youth, who will form the largest demographic of young people globally by 2024.
Africa Day serves as a moment of reflection on the continent’s role as a burgeoning economic force, with expected sustained growth rates and booming investment and manufacturing sectors. The event also reaffirmed the African Group’s commitment to supporting Burkina Faso during its transitional period, highlighting ongoing efforts in peace, security, and counterterrorism.
The group extended its best wishes for peace, prosperity, and well-being to the Burkinabe people and expressed gratitude for the hospitality and collaborative spirit of Burkina Faso’s foreign relations. The day was a reaffirmation of Africa’s solidarity and unity as it navigates its path towards economic and social progress.