Countries across the continent are marking Africa Day, in honor of the May 25 anniversary of the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity, the prelude to the African Union. The day focuses on African identity and a vision for the future of African nations and their citizens. The theme for Africa Day 2017 is “demographic dividend”.

“Africa is on the march towards a more prosperous future in which all its citizens, young, old, male, female, rural, urban, of all creeds and backgrounds are empowered to realize their full potential, live with satisfaction and pride about their continent,” the African Union (AU) said in a statement.

“A future with healthy, well educated people living in robust and developed economies. Indeed, this is a progressive march towards the ‘Africa we want’ as envisioned in Agenda 2063.” The “demographic dividend” theme of the AU is central to this year’s celebrations, as Africa looks to leverage its advantage in developing its young, talented and hopeful populations.

The African Union, comprised of 54 member states, has brought together the continent of Africa to collectively address the challenges it has faced, such as armed conflict, climate change, and poverty. The African Union, or AU, is a pan-African Organisation whose goal is to propel a united continent towards peace and prosperity. The AU supports political and economic integration among its 54 member nations. It aims to boost development, eradicate poverty and bring Africa into the global economy. The AU succeeded the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 2002.

Africa Day was first held in 1963 in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, when 32 countries formed the Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU).