As the continent prepares to commemorate African Liberation Week (ALW) 2025, more than 850 actions and activities have already been registered to take place between 19th and 25th May across all 54 African countries, as well as in various diaspora communities. Organised by members and partners of Africans Rising for Justice, Peace and Dignity, the mobilisation marks a continued effort to strengthen Pan-African unity and drive grassroots change through collective action.
Now in its ninth year, African Liberation Week commemorates the historic formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)—the forerunner to today’s African Union—and has become a continental movement for social, economic, political, and environmental justice. Since its inception, thousands of activities have taken place under its banner, powered by civil society, youth, women’s groups, and grassroots networks.
This year’s theme, “A Borderless Africa for All Africans,” builds on the momentum of previous years and continues to spotlight the growing campaign to ratify and implement the African Union Free Movement Protocol, which remains a critical pillar of regional integration, economic empowerment, and continental unity.
In addition to the overarching theme, participants will mobilise around four key sub-themes:
- Pan-African Solidarity with Conflict-Affected Countries
- Climate and Environmental Justice
- Gender Justice
- Economic Justice
Activities scheduled for the week include peaceful marches, community dialogues, educational webinars, creative performances, public forums, and media campaigns, all designed to raise awareness and empower local voices.
“ALW 2025 will be a continuation of last year’s mobilisation, to continue amplifying the movement for a Borderless Africa, rallying Africans to advocate for free movement across the continent. Through partnerships, community actions, and targeted campaigns, we will showcase the power of collective action in shaping Africa’s future,” said Prince Akpah, Africans Rising’s Pan-African Mobilisation and Solidarity Lead.
Voices from the Ground: Why We March
Ahead of the weeklong mobilisation, Africans Rising reached out to organisers across the continent to hear why they are participating and what they hope to see achieved.
Kingwa Kamencu from Kenya shared his hope that “more citizens will participate in African Liberation Week, making it their own.” For him, participation is both a celebration of Pan-African identity and an honouring of ancestral legacy. “I feel a strong responsibility to carry on their work,” he said.
From Ghana, Miss Patrice Robertson sees ALW as an opportunity to build bridges among Africans committed to justice and solidarity. “We aim to inspire youth to see themselves as part of Africa’s future and empower them through education, arts, and leadership development,” she said. “By joining ALW 2025, we strengthen our Pan-African identity and encourage young people to advocate for climate justice.”
Boaventura Benjamim, a civic activist and founder of NAC, noted that his participation is rooted in a desire to reclaim African identity and raise awareness about Africans Rising’s role in advancing liberation across the continent. “We support the Kilimanjaro Declaration and the movement’s vision for Africa,” he said.
In Malawi, Faith Maseya hopes ALW will help amplify issues around climate change, sustainable environmental practices, and waste management. “We’re looking to raise awareness on how improper disposal—like of sanitary products—impacts soil and ecosystems,” she explained.
From Angola, feminist activist Laurinda Gouveia spoke about her organisation’s focus on human rights, democracy, and local leadership. She called for ALW to shine a spotlight on urgent crises, such as the situation in Congo. “We propose discussing these issues from the grassroots up, to find sustainable, community-led solutions,” she said.
Vayanga Donzo from Guinea expressed hopes that ALW 2025 will deepen historical memory, empower the youth, promote intergenerational dialogue, and strengthen the continent’s commitment to sovereignty. “I’m participating to honour African struggles and promote unity,” he said.
An Open Call to Mobilise
The week is expected to bring together a broad coalition of organisations, movements, and individuals who are passionate about reshaping Africa’s trajectory. Activities will be mapped out and published, helping to track participation across the continent and in the diaspora.
“We encourage all Africans Rising members to register and organise activities or actions to promote the Borderless Africa campaign for this year’s African Liberation Week,” said Hardi Yakubu, Movement Coordinator for Africans Rising. “Together, we can shape Africa’s future and promote a borderless Africa for all Africans.”
As ALW 2025 approaches, the message is clear: Pan-African unity is not just a dream—it is a duty.
