Pan-African Progressive Front to mark 80th anniversary of Fifth Pan African Congress in Accra to advance continental unity and economic sovereignty

The Pan-African Progressive Front (PPF) has officially announced the 80th anniversary celebration of the historic Fifth Pan African Congress, scheduled for October 21 and 22, 2025, in Accra. The two-day conference will focus on advancing the unification of the African continent for democratic sovereignty, economic independence, and social justice.

The event will bring together participants from 50 African countries, including leaders of the Alliance of Sahel States and the Caribbean, to deliberate on issues central to Africa‘s liberation, national independence, and continental integration.

Discussions will centre on continuing Africa’s liberation struggle, strengthening independence, and developing frameworks for unity and reparative justice. The conference will also address debt cancellation, restitution of looted artefacts, and the creation of a new economic model centred on African-led development.

President John Dramani Mahama, the African Union (AU) Champion on Reparations, and Burkina Faso‘s President Ibrahim Traoré will deliver keynote addresses. Other prominent speakers will include Mr Ivan Djinn, General Secretary of the Metal Workers’ Union of South Africa; Professor Akua Biritwum, Chairperson of the National Media Commission (NMC); and Dr Gamal Nasser Adam, Former Vice President of the Islamic University.

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At a press briefing, Mr Kwasi Pratt Junior, Pan-Africanist and member of the PPF Organising Committee, described the event as a “positive re-gathering of Africans” to reassert their rights and reclaim control over their resources.

“Africa cannot continue to be a spectator in the world theatre,” he said. “We recall the voices of Africa who vibrated from the 1945 Congress for national liberation, for the control of African resources by Africans, and for unity with all people fighting for a better world. We re-echo those voices today in a shifting global landscape.”

Mr Pratt urged African leaders to use the conference as a springboard to foster unity and shape a new era of self-determination and prosperity for the continent.

The first Fifth Pan African Congress was held in Manchester from October 15 to 19, 1945, and marked a turning point in Africa’s struggle against colonialism and racism, laying the foundation for independence movements across the continent.