FORMER South African President Thabo Mbeki has called on African leaders to be truthful, transparent, and committed to safeguarding the continent’s interests in order to achieve meaningful development and improve the lives of its people.

Speaking at a dinner event held on in Dar es Salaam yesterday as part of Africa Day commemorations, Mbeki stressed that Africa’s progress depends on leaders who act with integrity, put their countries first, and lead with a genuine vision to create lasting, positive change.

“As we commemorate Africa Day under the theme, ‘Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent: Addressing Historical Injustices to Build a Common Future’, we are reminded that justice is not an end, but a continuous demand for truth, dignity, and leadership that reflects the realities of our people,” said Mbeki.

He emphasised the importance of investing in education, innovation, youth engagement in decision-making, and the fight against corruption, which he described as a major barrier to development.

“Africa is rich in resources and potential. What we need are leaders who think beyond elections, who are unafraid of accountability, who have vision, and who put the people and the nation above personal ambition,” he added.

Earlier, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, underscored the need for every African to reflect on the continent’s achievements, challenges, and aspirations toward peaceful and stable development.

He paid tribute to the founders of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), and lauded their legacy of unity and Pan-Africanism.

“On behalf of the Government and the People of Tanzania, I take this opportunity to honour and commend the founding fathers of the OAU, whose vision of a united Africa still lives on. We also honour the leaders who came after them and continue to fight for economic liberation and continental solidarity,” Kombo said.

The event brought together ambassadors, senior government officials, retired diplomats, civil society leaders, scholars, and members of the diplomatic corps to celebrate Africa’s unity, diversity, and progress.

The evening featured African cultural performances, traditional cuisine, and reflections on the continent’s historical journey and current path toward peace and self-reliance.

The dinner was part of the celebrations marking the 62nd anniversary of the African Union and a build-up to Africa Day, observed annually on May 25.

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has called on African leaders to be truthful, transparent, and committed to safeguarding the continent’s interests in order to achieve meaningful development and improve the lives of its people.

Speaking at a dinner event held on May 23, 2025, in Dar es Salaam as part of Africa Day commemorations, Mbeki stressed that Africa’s progress depends on leaders who act with integrity, put their countries first, and lead with a genuine vision to create lasting, positive change.

“As we commemorate Africa Day under the theme, ‘Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent: Addressing Historical Injustices to Build a Common Future’, we are reminded that justice is not an end, but a continuous demand for truth, dignity, and leadership that reflects the realities of our people,” said Mbeki.

He emphasised the importance of investing in education, innovation, youth engagement in decision-making, and the fight against corruption, which he described as a major barrier to development.

“Africa is rich in resources and potential. What we need are leaders who think beyond elections, who are unafraid of accountability, who have vision, and who put the people and the nation above personal ambition,” he added.

Earlier, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, underscored the need for every African to reflect on the continent’s achievements, challenges, and aspirations toward peaceful and stable development.

He paid tribute to the founders of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), and lauded their legacy of unity and Pan-Africanism.

“On behalf of the Government and the People of Tanzania, I take this opportunity to honour and commend the founding fathers of the OAU, whose vision of a united Africa still lives on. We also honour the leaders who came after them and continue to fight for economic liberation and continental solidarity,” Kombo said.

The event brought together ambassadors, senior government officials, retired diplomats, civil society leaders, scholars, and members of the diplomatic corps to celebrate Africa’s unity, diversity, and progress.

The evening featured African cultural performances, traditional cuisine, and reflections on the continent’s historical journey and current path toward peace and self-reliance.

The dinner was part of the celebrations marking the 62nd anniversary of the African Union and a build-up to Africa Day, observed annually on May 25.