In a press release, the AU chair said Africa’s progress depends on the collaborative efforts of all its member states, including civil society, the private sector, religious institutions, academia and the media.

Dlamini-Zuma said these cannot be achieved without strong commitment to pan Africanism as many challenges lies ahead of the continet.

This year's celebration is under the theme: “Human Rights with a Particular Focus on the Rights of Women.”

According to her, it makes sense to invest in women because it is a guarantee for sustainable peace, stability and cohesion on the continent.

She asked Africans to ask critical, legitimate and tough questions, in order to achieve the organisation’s vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.

Touching on the continent's vision 2063, Dlamini-Zuma noted that 10 years of the implementation plan has been achieved.