Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi delivered a speech today on the occasion of Egypt’s celebration of Africa Day, which is being hosted this year by Cairo University.

The official spokesperson for the Presidency of the Republic stated that the African continent celebrates Africa Day annually on the twenty-fifth of May, commemorating the founding of the Organization of African Unity in 1963, which later became the African Union. This day is a prominent occasion to embody the unity of the continent, and to recall its glorious history and the struggle of its peoples for freedom and development.

Egypt's historic role in Africa

Ambassador Mohamed El Shenawy, the official spokesperson, added that this year’s celebration highlights Egypt’s historical and contemporary role in supporting the African continent, as well as showcasing successful partnership models that contribute to achieving the goals of the African Development Agenda 2063.

Text of Sisi's speech on Africa Day

The following is the text of President Sisi's speech during the ceremony:

In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful

Brothers and sisters...

Leaders and peoples of our African continent

It gives me great pleasure to extend to you today my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the celebration of Africa Day, that historic occasion which coincides with the anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity, an organization which, since its inception, has embodied the will of the African peoples for liberation and unity, and laid the foundations for joint African action.

Our African continent stands today on the threshold of a new phase of construction and development, based on its enormous potential and rich resources, and before that, on the will of its people and their firm determination to maximize the benefit from its wealth.

It is a source of pride that Egypt’s celebration of Africa Day this year comes from the heart of Cairo University, this ancient academic institution whose influence is not limited to Egypt alone, but extends to include Africa and the Middle East.

Since its founding in 1908, the university has played a leading role in spreading knowledge, shaping awareness, and building the Arab and African individual, as evidenced by successive generations of scholars, thinkers, and researchers who graduated from it, and whose influence has transcended the borders of their homelands, to contribute effectively to the paths of national liberation and efforts to achieve comprehensive development in their countries.

Ladies and gentlemen

In light of the rapid regional and international developments, successive crises and challenges, and the resulting negative repercussions on maritime navigation in vital corridors, on international trade and global supply chains, and on the energy and food security of our African countries, the importance of strengthening solidarity and cooperation among our countries, unifying efforts and intensifying aspects of joint cooperation emerges, in order to enhance our collective ability to confront these crises and challenges, preserve the resources of our peoples, ensure freedom of navigation, and secure these vital corridors, in order to achieve stability and protect common interests, within the framework of commitment to the rules of international law.

Honorable sons of Africa

The choice of this year’s theme for the African Union, which is the issue of water, is of paramount importance, as it is one of the fundamental pillars for ensuring the continuity of life, preserving the capabilities of African peoples, and achieving regional integration.

In this context, we emphasize the need to respect international law, which regulates international transboundary rivers, and to ensure the sound management of these rivers, and to follow an approach based on the governance of African rivers, in a way that achieves common interests, mutual benefit, and the goals of sustainable development, and promotes a climate of peace, and maintains peace and security and achieves integration, instead of tensions and conflicts, within the framework of efforts aimed at consolidating the principles of partnership and African solidarity.

Ladies and gentlemen

The Arab Republic of Egypt, based on its African heritage, affirms its firm commitment to the necessity of preserving the unity and integrity of the countries of the African continent, and safeguarding their national institutions, considering this as the cornerstone for confronting the complex challenges facing the continent and consolidating the foundations of peace and security therein.

Egypt will also remain an active partner in supporting the development and construction process in sister African countries through the exchange of experiences, the implementation of projects, and openness to cooperation with various international partners, within a framework of mutual respect and common interests, in order to achieve the priorities of the peoples and countries of the continent.

In this context, Egypt welcomes hosting the eighth African Union Coordination Summit in June 2026, which will represent an important opportunity to consult on the status of regional integration in the continent and to strengthen efforts to implement the second ten-year plan of Agenda 2063, through concerted governmental efforts and African business sectors.

Brothers and sisters

As we celebrate Africa Day, we renew our commitment to continue working together and strengthening the bonds of cooperation and integration between the countries of the continent, in order to achieve the hopes of our peoples for a more advanced and prosperous future.

In conclusion, I extend my sincere congratulations to the people of our African continent on this occasion, wishing our ancient continent continued progress and prosperity.

Thank you very much. Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you.