By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Thabo Mbeki Foundation (TMF) has announced that the 15th Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture will take place on Saturday, 24 May 2025, in the historic city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The lecture will be the highlight of a week-long series of associated activities held in May 2025, designed to commemorate Africa Day.
In a statement the foundation said, In a significant collaboration reflecting the spirit of partnership essential for continental progress, this landmark event will be co-hosted by the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation (MNF).”
“Since its inception, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation has proudly honoured the call made by Africa’s political leaders in 1963 to use May 25th, Africa Day, as a focal point for advancing our continent’s self-determined goals. Hosting the 15th Lecture in Dar es Salaam marks a continuation of the Foundation’s deliberate commitment, initiated with the 13th Lecture held in Conakry, Guinea, to rotate this vital platform across the diverse regions of our continent.
“This rotation underscores our dedication to a truly pan-African ethos, ensuring the dialogue engages directly with different regional contexts and perspectives, enriching the conversation on our shared future.
The choice of Tanzania is deeply symbolic. As a nation with profound historical significance in the Pan-African movement, exemplified by luminaries such as Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Benjamin Mkapa and Getrude Mongella, and with its growing influence in regional integration and strategic location in East Africa, Dar es Salaam provides a highly fitting and inspiring setting. Partnering with the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation further connects the event to this powerful legacy of African unity and liberation. Our long-term collaboration with UNISA, a leading African university with continental reach, ensures a strong academic grounding and broad engagement, read the statement.”
“The 15th Africa Day Lecture will focus on reigniting the African Renaissance. It aims to provide a comprehensive and incisive examination of Africa’s current political, social, and economic landscape, offering insightful analysis, visionary ideas, and strategic direction essential for steering the continent towards a prosperous and united future. The event seeks to build upon the foundation laid since the inaugural lecture in 2010, serving as a clarion call to all stakeholders to embrace their roles in shaping Africa’s destiny.
“We believe the 15th Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture in Dar es Salaam will be a pivotal moment for reflection, dialogue, and renewed commitment to the African Renaissance, the statement concluded.