Africa Day: African Union intensifies push for economic reparations

The African Union has renewed its campaign for reparative justice,demanding concrete economic redress for slavery and colonialism’s lasting impacts rather than mere symbolic acknowledgments,as global momentum builds for historical restitution.

Speaking to Business Africa,Desire Assogbavi,International Development Expert and Advocacy Advisor at Open Society Foundations,emphasized that reparations extend beyond financial compensation. “We’re talking about restructuring global systems,correcting historical injustices,and unlocking economic opportunities for African nations,” Assogbavi explained.

The AU’s core demands include debt cancellation,technology transfers,and infrastructure investment. While Western nations often cite high costs as obstacles,African leaders argue that development delays caused by colonial exploitation prove far more expensive long-term. Innovative solutions under consideration include land restitution,investment funds,and targeted development partnerships.

Africa Day celebrations also spotlighted culinary excellence in Lyon,France,where African chefs are transforming perceptions of continental cuisine. These culinary ambassadors are positioning themselves as entrepreneurs driving a potential $1 trillion food industry,using the platform to rebrand African food and attract cross-border business collaborations.

In Uganda,artisan Isaac Nkonge exemplifies green innovation by transforming discarded banana stems into household items including lampshades,plates,and footwear. His eco-enterprise creates local jobs while modeling circular economy practices gaining international attention.

“Every banana tree has a second life,” Nkonge states. “It’s about seeing opportunity where others see waste.” These diverse initiatives—from reparations advocacy to culinary entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation—demonstrate Africa’s multifaceted approach to economic transformation and global repositioning.