2024 14th Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture delivered by Professor Abdoulaye Bathily

The Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture is an annual event organised by the TM Foundation and UNISA to commemorate Africa Day, set aside to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of the African Unity (OAU), on May 25th, 1963. The day serves as a platform to discuss and celebrate the achievements of African countries and address current issues and challenges facing the continent. The lecture also serves as a reminder of the rich culture and diversity of Africa and the importance of preserving and promoting it for future generations.
The 14th Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture represented a significant milestone in our continuous journey towards fostering Africa's Renaissance. Set to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 25 May 2024, this year's theme, “The New International Scramble for Africa and the Challenges of Unity,” was both timely and critical for the current African context.
The theme of this year's lecture is particularly pertinent as Africa navigates the complexities of a new international scramble for its resources and geopolitical influence. The challenges of unity in this context are profound, and it is imperative that they are addressed with urgency and clarity. This lecture will provide a critical platform to examine these issues, propose a vision for the future, and inspire collective action towards achieving a united and prosperous Africa.
This year, the lecture was delivered by Professor Abdoulaye Bathily, a Senegalese politician and diplomat, who held prominent positions within Senegal's government and the United Nations. He served as Minister of the Environment from 1993 to 1998 and Minister of Energy from 2000 to 2001 in Senegal. Transitioning to diplomatic roles, he became the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Central Africa in 2014, following his tenure as the long-time Secretary-General of the Democratic League/Movement for the Labour Party (LD/MPT). Throughout his career, Bathily has been dedicated to promoting environmental protection and sustainable energy solutions in Senegal and the wider region of Central Africa. He has also played a key role in promoting peace and stability in the region through his work with the United Nations.
Until April 2024, Professor Abdoulaye Bathily was Special Representative to the United Nations Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya.