Côte d’Ivoire took part in the celebration of Africa Day 2026 held on Monday, May 25, at the Fine Arts Center in Madrid under the theme: “63 Years of Unity, Integration and Sustainable Development.”
The event brought together representatives of African countries accredited in Spain, including Côte d’Ivoire, Spanish authorities, members of the African diaspora and cultural stakeholders.
Organized by the Group of African Ambassadors accredited to Spain, the ceremony highlighted the historical and strategic relations between Africa and Spain, while addressing issues related to sustainable development, regional integration and the strengthening of the Euro-African partnership.
In her address, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Spain, H.E. Karima Benyaich, stated that the celebration of the 63rd anniversary of the creation of the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union, was an opportunity to pay tribute to the “unity, diversity and spirit of solidarity” of the African continent.
As Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in Madrid, Ambassador Benyaich emphasized Morocco’s role as a bridge between Europe and Africa, while commending Spain’s commitment to the African continent through cooperation based on mutual respect, dialogue and the shared ambition of building a future of peace, prosperity and sustainable development.
She also highlighted the importance of the Spain-Africa Strategy 2025–2028 in strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as political dialogue, education, healthcare, energy transition and climate action.
Ambassador Benyaich further underscored this year’s African Union theme focused on sustainable water and sanitation management, describing it as a critical challenge for the continent’s future and for the achievement of the goals of Agenda 2063.
She also stressed Africa’s strong potential, driven by a dynamic youth population, abundant natural resources and significant resilience, while recalling the persistent challenges linked to sustainable development, economic integration, security, mobility and education.
In a video message broadcast during the ceremony, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said Africa was celebrating 63 years of unity, integration and development, reaffirming the continent’s commitment to the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
He also noted that the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20 represented a historic milestone that would allow the continent to actively contribute to global economic decision-making and international responses related to peace, climate, food security, trade, health and sustainable development.
Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs Diego Martínez Belío highlighted the historical, human and strategic ties between Spain and Africa, stressing that relations between the two sides go beyond geographical proximity.
He particularly emphasized the role of African youth, describing them as one of the continent’s greatest assets, and pointed to ongoing efforts in education, academic mobility, entrepreneurship and the creation of economic opportunities for younger generations.
He also called for stronger African representation within multilateral institutions and global governance bodies, noting that the African Union’s presence in the G20 constitutes an important first step in that direction.
The celebration of Africa Day 2026 also featured cultural activities including African poetry readings, performances by African artists, a fashion show and the tasting of Africa’s rich and diverse gastronomy.