Africa Day Press Release: For Immediate Release

Mayor Sylvester Turner to Welcome African Union Ambassador to the U.S. and 15 African Ambassadors to Houston

(HOUSTON) May 25, 2021– Africa Day, also known as African Unity Day, is celebrated annually on May 25th. It commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to the African Union (AU), on this day in 1963. The City of Houston will mark its 4th annual Houston Africa Day celebration by hosting the African Union Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Ambassador Hilda Suka-Mafudze and 13 Ambassadors from African nations to Houston. The event, held annually by Mayor Sylvester Turner, showcases the diversity of the nation’s 4th most populous city and its global presence. People from all backgrounds are welcome to join in celebration with the African community on this occasion to commemorate the business and cultural contributions of the African diaspora in Houston.

During the evening celebration, Houston will showcase the different regions of the continent through arts, culture and ‘a taste of Africa’ keeping with the African Union 2021 Africa Day theme: Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa we Want.

“Houston Africa Day is a way to celebrate the vibrant art, culture, and food of our African diaspora in Houston” said Mayor Turner. “Houston takes great pride in our rich diversity, and Africa day is a chance to showcase Houston’s ties to the African continent.”

In addition to the cultural celebration, the Mayor’s Office of Trade and International Affairs will host the inaugural Houston Africa Day Business Forum for Houston’s top business leaders and stakeholders interested in doing business in Africa. This half day forum will engage business executives with African leaders and discuss the tremendous opportunities and potential on the continent. “Houston is the largest trading partner with Africa in the U.S.” noted MOTIA Director Chris Olson. “The opportunities in African in the areas of health care, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy are a great match for sectors in which Houston companies are global leaders.”

Houston’s Global Trade Manager for Africa Mazda Denon notes that “as Africa grows, we in Houston will ensure that our relationship with this rich and diverse continent will continue to grow as well. Africa Day is one of our ways to showcase this relationship.”

Confirmed guests include the Ambassadors of Angola, Burkina-Faso, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Malawi, Morocco, Niger, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, and Togo. View the Ambassador bios here. 

The events will have limited in person attendance due to COVID-19 protocols and security.  For those interested in joining, the event will be live streamed via the Mayor’s Office of Trade and International Affairs social media platforms.

Map of Africa