NAIROBI, Kenya — Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on African countries to take greater responsibility in addressing the continent’s challenges, saying sustainable progress requires African-led solutions, stronger institutions, and deeper regional cooperation.
Speaking as the chief guest during Africa Day 2026 celebrations marking the 63rd anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), Mudavadi said the event was more than a cultural celebration, describing it as a reminder of Africa’s shared history, resilience, and collective responsibility.
The celebrations brought together representatives from several African countries, showcasing culture, cuisine, music, and heritage. Participating nations included Senegal, Sudan, South Africa, Angola, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Botswana, Zambia, Eritrea, Egypt, Uganda, Algeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
Mudavadi, who also serves as Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said Africa’s future depends on unity and the ability of countries to design solutions suited to their own realities.
“African Day embodied the African Union’s vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena. We must remain resolute in translating this collective vision into reality, guided by the African Union Agenda 2063,” he said.
He urged African states to strengthen institutions, including the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, while supporting African-led approaches to peace and security.
Water, sanitation, and climate resilience
The Prime CS noted that Africa Day 2026 was being celebrated under the African Union theme of “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
He said access to safe water and sanitation remains central to industrialisation, food security, and climate resilience.
“Africa is endowed with sufficient water resources to meet basic needs while supporting agriculture, energy generation, and industrialisation. The challenge is not scarcity, but governance, infrastructure, and climate resilience,” Mudavadi said.
He also highlighted Kenya’s hosting of the Our Ocean Conference 2026 as evidence of growing African leadership in ocean governance and the blue economy.
According to Mudavadi, the adoption of the Mombasa Declaration strengthened commitments on sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Push for trade and African economic independence
Mudavadi said Africa must accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area to increase intra-African trade, reduce dependence on external markets, and build economic resilience.
He argued that the continent should focus on manufacturing, value addition, and investment partnerships rather than relying on aid-based relationships.
“Africa is no longer an apologist for its circumstances, nor defined by lamentations. We are a voice to be heard, a valued global partner with immense opportunities for shared prosperity, and not a problem to be solved,” he said.
He added that African institutions such as the African Development Bank and Afreximbank remain important in supporting economic transformation.
Governance and global representation
Mudavadi acknowledged that governance challenges and conflicts continue to affect parts of the continent, urging African states to strengthen democratic institutions and accountable leadership.
“As we mark 63 years of African Unity, we must consolidate our governance gains and encourage each other to firmly embrace democratic values,” he said.
He also referenced the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi, saying it reinforced the need for stronger African financial systems, industrialisation, human capital development, and a bigger role for Africa in global decision-making.
The Prime CS further promoted Kenya’s candidates for international judicial positions, including Professor Phoebe Okowa’s bid for re-election as a judge of the International Court of Justice and Lady Justice Njoki Ndung’u’s candidature for the International Criminal Court.
Mudavadi said Kenya was presenting candidates with the experience and integrity required to contribute to international justice systems.
“Kenya has put forward candidates for positions where we believe our country can make a meaningful contribution,” he said.
