Lomé Hosts 9th Pan-African Congress, Strengthening Continental-Diaspora Ties

The 9th Pan-African Congress officially opened on December 8 in Lomé, Togo, drawing leaders, intellectuals, artists, civil society members, and diaspora representatives from across the globe. The five-day event, held under the African Union’s auspices, celebrates 125 years of Pan-Africanism and aims to reinforce the historical, cultural, and economic links between Africa and its diaspora.

Presiding over the opening ceremony, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé highlighted the Pan-African movement’s pivotal role in the emancipation of black peoples and the decolonization struggles across Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. He noted that the congress, originating in London in 1900, continues to serve as a platform for dialogue, advocacy, and solidarity among Africans worldwide.

Lomé becomes the fourth African capital to host the event after Dar es Salaam, Kampala, and Accra. This edition is part of the African Union’s “Decade of African Roots and the African Diaspora (2021–2031),” reinforcing the commitment to reconnecting the continent with its global communities and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement.

A key feature of this year’s congress is the economic symposium, running from December 9 to 12, designed to mobilize diaspora investment, facilitate project financing, and promote collaboration with development actors. Experts and policymakers will explore how Africa can harness diaspora resources for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.

Discussions also focus on Africa’s role in global governance, particularly in reforming multilateral institutions. Togo reiterated its demand for two permanent African seats with veto power on the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing the continent’s call for greater representation and influence in international decision-making processes.

The congress further addresses cultural identity, heritage restitution, recognition of Afro-descendants, and reparations initiatives. It aims to bridge the gap between rhetoric and action by encouraging citizen participation, translating recommendations into concrete initiatives, and ensuring that Pan-Africanism remains relevant in everyday life.

Organizers have stressed that this edition seeks to restore Pan-Africanism to its original purpose: a forward-looking, collective vision that enables Africans and diaspora communities to “speak with a unified voice” on economic, political, and social matters affecting the continent and its global communities.

Ultimately, the 9th Pan-African Congress presents an opportunity to redefine Africa’s place in the world while strengthening its ties with the diaspora. Its success will depend on the implementation of actionable strategies that foster unity, investment, cultural pride, and sustained collaboration between the continent and its global descendants.