Hon. Amina Gerba: Honourable senators, I rise today to mark Africa Day, which we celebrate every year on May 25.

This day commemorates the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity, now known as the African Union. It reminds us of Emperor Haile Selassie’s unshakable belief: “History teaches us that unity is strength . . . .”

More than 60 years later, nations continue to strive for unity. The African Continental Free Trade Area, made up of 54 countries, illustrates the continent-wide will to build an integrated economy.

[English]

Today, Africa stands at a decisive turning point in its history. With more than 1.5 billion people, Africa represents roughly one fifth of the world’s population. By 2050, one in four people in the world is expected to be African, with the continent’s population reaching 2.5 billion people.

Above all, Africa is the continent of youth: Nearly 70% of its population is under the age of 30. This young generation is creative, ambitious and forward-looking.

[Translation]

This is why the International Monetary Fund boldly described this era as the “African century.”

To be sure, challenges persist, as they do on every continent. However, Africa is not defined by its challenges. It is also characterized by its resilience and its innovative solutions, including those arising from ambitious initiatives such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

As co-chair of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association, I invite you to attend this evening’s reception jointly hosted by the group of African ambassadors, which starts at 6 p.m.

Happy Africa Day to all Africans and friends of Africa.

Thank you. Asante.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!