THIS week I begin this article with a quote from Kwame Nkrumah: “We all want a united Africa, united not only in our concept of what unity connotes, but united in our common desire to move forward together in dealing with all the problems that can best be solved only on a continental basis.”
The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) had the following primary aims: To co-ordinate and intensify the co-operation of African states in order to achieve a better life for the people of Africa; to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of African states and to eradicate all forms of colonialism and white minority rule.
When it was established, there were several states that had not yet won their independence or were white minority-ruled.
It also had other aims such as to ensure that all Africans enjoyed human rights; raise the living standards of all Africans and settle arguments and disputes between members – not through fighting, but rather by peaceful and diplomatic negotiation.
The transformation of the OAU to the African Union (AU) was a significant development in the evolution towards achieving the ideals of pan-Africanism.
It has become the norm in Africa and among its Diaspora to celebrate May 25 as Africa Day.
On this day, Africans across the world re-affirm the aspiration for unity that formed the basis for many of the struggles on the continent’s recent history.
But is there much to celebrate this
May 25?
Does pan-Africanism carry the same meaning today as in colonial and immediate post-colonial times?
Plans for a united, integrated African continent are often so lost in official rhetoric, or buried in documents and decisions, that it is difficult to believe any progress is being made.
Some who pushed for African unity – like former Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi – are no longer there, while many who worked to create continent-wide institutions, like former South African President Thabo Mbeki, are also no longer heard.
Former President Thabo Mbeki at the 50th anniversary of the AU said: “We must answer some questions honestly: What progress have we made towards the achievement of the objectives set by the OAU, AU and NEPAD?
“What shall we do in this regard?”
The most notable and widely recognised limitation of the AU system is its heavy dependence on donor-funding for its activities.
For example, close to 90 percent of the funding for AU peace and security initiatives comes from donor-funding.
Moreover, most AU member-states do not make the diplomatic and military contributions needed for the effective implementation of the decisions they made.
For example, the AU Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) consisted of troops from only Uganda and Burundi for far too long, although all PSC members were involved in the decision to deploy AMISOM.
Major contributions in terms of both troops and other resources for peace operations are borne by fewer than a dozen countries on the continent.
Another major issue has been the lack of a unified voice.
This is evidenced by the divergence in the policy positions that AU member-states take in their capitals, in Addis Ababa and in international forums such as in New York. 
Again quoting Mbeki: “The shameful African disunity and indecisiveness which resulted in the debacles in Cote d’Ivoire and Libya put in serious doubt our ability to determine our destiny with present and continuing serious negative consequences for our continent.”
On the economic front, African nations need strong transformation agendas.
This means moving away from low-productivity agriculture to higher-productivity manufacturing and services.
There is need to develop competitive exports, make better use of technology and secure greater regional and economic integration.
Only an upsurge from the left and anti-imperialist forces can fulfil the visions of a true united Africa in line with the work of Kwame Nkrumah, Gaddafi and other revolutionary leaders.
The worsening economic crisis due to the decline in commodity prices and Western-sponsored destabilisation is reversing the advances made in regard to growth and development over the last decade.