Kinshasa, March 22nd, 2026 (CPA) – African youth have been encouraged to rely on the continent’s resources to restore Africa’s dignity and foster development, during the closing of the second edition of the Pan-African Week held in Kolwezi (capital of Lualaba province), organized by the Organization of Youth for the United Nations of Africa (OJNUA), CPA learned from the organizers. “Culture creates value. It is within our cultures and customs that we can build a better future. Africa must rise and understand that it has moved beyond dependence to rely on its own resources and intelligence,” said Jeffrey Masuka, Provincial Minister of Tourism of Lualaba.
According to him, the development of the continent first requires both personal and collective transformation. He stressed the need for every African to work on themselves in order to create opportunities for others, while highlighting solidarity and shared values as key drivers of social cohesion. Welcoming the participation of several African countries in the meeting, he emphasized the importance of continental unity around shared values. For her part, the Provincial Director of Public Service of Lualaba, Ms. Marie Louise, called for collective awareness in light of the theme of the second edition of the Pan-African Week held from March 18th to 22nd, 2026, in Kolwezi. She also stressed the role of women in peace building, denouncing their marginalization in decision-making processes. “Women must be present in all decision-making bodies, as they are the primary victims of armed conflicts, as well as domestic and family conflicts,” she stated, advocating for family-based education grounded in unity as a means of preventing crises. The second edition of the Pan-African Week was held under the theme “Africa, rise for your dignity.” The event forms part of efforts to promote African values, empower communities, and encourage civic engagement for a more dignified and resilient Africa.