Africa day 2018 marked the 55th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity which gave way to the African Union. The event, which took place on Thursday evening May 24 at Marriott Wardman Hotel in Washington, was celebrated under the theme “Continental Free Trade Area: Creating One African Market”.
Former President of African Development Bank Dr. Donald Kaberuka delivered the keynote speech on the topic. He said « trade among african countries was one of the sure paths to economic transformation and development across the continent ».
Other speakers included Ambassador Stephanie Sullivan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs at the State Department, and Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United States Arikana Chihombori Quao. In her remarks, Ambassador Quao praised the founding fathers, reflected on some of the AU accomplishments and challenges. As every year, la fête was belle. There was a lot of beverages, food and entertainment throughout the evening. Excerts: Kaberuka and Arikana. AlloAfricaNews
