By - Columbus hosts Africa Day Forum Columbus May 28
By Danlette G. Washington
Countries across the African continent and members of the African diaspora on Monday, May 25 commemorated Africa Day 2026, marking 63 years since the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union (AU).
This year’s Africa Day celebration was held under the theme: “Sixty-three Years of Unity, Integration and Development, Let’s Celebrate Together,” with activities taking place at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The annual celebration honors Africa’s history, culture, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of peace, economic growth, and continental unity. Africa Day is observed every year on May 25 to commemorate the establishment of the OAU in 1963 by African leaders committed to ending colonialism and promoting African solidarity.
In his Africa Day message, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reaffirmed the continent’s commitment to unity, integration, and sustainable development while encouraging Africans to continue working together toward a stronger and more prosperous continent.
Across social media, Africans both on the continent and in the diaspora celebrated the day by showcasing African fashion, music, food, dance, and cultural heritage, while many also reflected on challenges facing the continent, including economic hardship, unemployment, conflict, migration, and climate change.
The African Union also highlighted its broader 2026 continental focus on improving water access and sanitation systems as part of Africa’s long-term development agenda.
Africa Day celebrations were also held in schools, communities, embassies, universities, and international organizations around the world, with calls for greater African unity, youth empowerment, and investment in the continent’s future.
Meanwhile, the City of Columbus, in partnership with the Ohio African Chamber of Commerce, is preparing to host a series of events in celebration of Africa Day 2026, highlighting the impact, culture, and growing influence of African communities across Central Ohio.
One of the major events will be the Africa Day Forum Columbus, scheduled for May 28, 2026, at the Columbus City Council Chambers. Organizers describe the forum as a gathering that will bring together African entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, civic leaders, and business professionals to discuss the future growth and economic development of Columbus.
The forum aims to create direct engagement between African business leaders and city officials while exploring investment opportunities, workforce development, and the role of the African diaspora in shaping the city’s future.
“The future of Columbus is being built in conversation, and African business voices belong at that table,” organizers stated.
The event will take place at Columbus City Council Chambers located at 90 West Broad Street, with doors opening at 2 PM.
In addition to the business forum, Columbus City Council and the Ohio African Chamber of Commerce will also host the 4th Annual Columbus Africa Day Celebration outside City Hall at Portman Plaza along West Broad Street.
This year’s celebration will feature free food, an African marketplace, cultural performances, and a keynote address by Grace Kambira. Remarks are also expected from Columbus City Council members and leaders within the African diaspora community.
Organizers say the event will celebrate both African heritage and the contributions African immigrants continue to make toward the growth and vitality of Columbus.
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