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Namibian press · Organization

Organisation of African Unity

Also known as: OAU

Pan-African organization founded on 25 May 1963, now the African Union, commemorated annually on Africa Day.

2018-05-032026-07-09
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. May 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Organisation of African Unity was established in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 25 May 1963

    Source

    “Africa Day commemorates the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 25 May 1963, now known as the African Union.”

    Africa reminded to unite amid global challenges

  3. The Namibian

    Organisation of African Unity was founded in Addis Ababa on 25 May 1963

    Source

    “When African leaders gathered in Addis Ababa on 25 May 1963 to found the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the occasion became a symbol of continental liberation that many still call Africa Liberation Day.”

    Africa Day 2026: Has the continent achieved true liberation?

  4. The Namibian

    Organisation of African Unity was established in 1963

    Source

    “Africa Day, celebrated annually on 25 May, marks the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, which later became the African Union.”

    Foreign missions in South Africa boycott Africa Day celebrations

  5. The Namibian

    Organisation of African Unity was founded in 1963

    Source

    “Africa Day is an annual worldwide celebration observed on 25 May, and commemorates the founding in 1963 of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which later evolved into the African Union (AU).”

    Do Ordinary Africans Have Anything to Celebrate?
  6. March 2025

  7. The Namibian

    Organisation of African Unity was founded in 1963, the precursor to the African Union

    Source

    “He was also the last surviving founding father of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, the precursor to the African Union.”

    Regional leaders bid farewell to Nujoma
  8. May 2023

  9. The Namibian

    Organisation of African Unity was formerly called the African Union

    Source

    “Namibia this week joins the rest of the African continent to commemorate 60 years of the existence of the African Union (AU), formerly the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).”

    Seasoned diplomat and international relations expert Kaire Mbuende
  10. May 2018

  11. The Namibian

    Organisation of African Unity was born on 25 May 1963

    Source

    “That Witbooi was already using these words around the 1890s speaks volumes about his vision for Africa, foreign policy, conflict resolution and mediation, on colonialism and Pan-Africanism, long before the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was born on 25 May 1963.”

    ‘It is enough. The children should now have rest.'
Politics

Namibia joins Africa Day calls for continental unity

The News

Namibia marked Africa Day with renewed calls for continental unity and self-reliance. President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that African nations face economic disruptions, climate change, disease outbreaks and geopolitical uncertainty, and urged strengthening regional cooperation, intra-African trade, and investment in local institutions.

Why it matters

Namibia marks Africa Day with President's calls for continental unity, regional cooperation, and intra-African trade strengthening.

25 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 25 May

  1. Namibia joins Africa Day calls for continental unity

    Namibia marked Africa Day with renewed calls for continental unity and self-reliance. President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that African nations face economic disruptions, climate change, disease outbreaks and geopolitical uncertainty, and urged strengthening regional cooperation, intra-African trade, and investment in local institutions.

    25 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Africa Day 2026: Liberation meaning evolves beyond political independence

    As Africa marks the 63rd anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity's founding on 25 May 1963, questions persist over what liberation means. While older generations view Africa Day as a victory against colonial rule, younger Africans increasingly define liberation through economic control, wealth, technology, and jobs rather than political flags and anthems.

    25 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 24 May

  1. African diplomats boycott South Africa's 63rd Africa Day event

    African diplomats in South Africa have announced a boycott of the 63rd Africa Day celebrations scheduled for Moruleng in the North West province, citing security concerns over recent xenophobic marches and attacks targeting foreign nationals. The diplomatic corps said they could not assure attendees' safety amid anti-immigration protests in several provinces.

    24 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Have African leaders fulfilled 1963 independence vision?

    An opinion piece questions whether African leaders have acted as a unified front to address the continent's problems as envisioned by Ghana's founding president Kwame Nkrumah at the 1963 founding summit of the Organisation of African Unity, and examines whether Africa has gained true control of its mineral wealth or remains dependent on external powers.

    24 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Africa Day observed amid questions about ordinary citizens' gains

    Africa Day is celebrated annually on 25 May to commemorate the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, marking the continent's progress and cultural heritage. The article questions whether the celebration holds meaning for ordinary Africans, noting that while the AU envisions an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent, many Africans regard the day as merely another public holiday marked by political speeches.

    24 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 22 May

  1. Africa Day calls business to address water and trade needs

    An opinion piece argues that Africa Day should prompt businesses, not just governments, to engage with the continent's development priorities, particularly water security—critical to food, health, and industry—and the African Continental Free Trade Area's goal of intra-African trade.

    22 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 24 March

  1. Namibia marks 36 years of independence with gratitude

    At a State House ceremony, Namibia's Head of State Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the nation's 36th Independence Day, reflecting on the country's sovereignty and the international solidarity that enabled its liberation. She reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to inclusive development, democratic governance, and peaceful coexistence while expressing gratitude to nations and movements that supported the independence struggle.

    24 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 27 February

  1. African Union criticised for lack of impact on continent

    An opinion piece argues that the African Union, established to unite the continent and drive economic integration and good governance, has failed to deliver on its vision and is now seen as a toothless "talk shop" unable to address conflicts, coups, and election failures. The author calls for urgent AU reforms and bolder action toward a common market, currency, military, and passport, or risk becoming irrelevant.

    27 February 2026 · New Era →

Monday 16 February

  1. President calls for African unity amid global tensions

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the African Union assembly in Addis Ababa, urging African nations to act collectively to secure economic independence, technological sovereignty, and control over natural resources while addressing escalating conflicts, debt distress, and climate change affecting the continent.

    16 February 2026 · Informanté →

Organisation of African Unity — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute