The United Pan Africanist Movement (UPAM) has continued to affirm its commitment to African unity, development, and mental liberation in its March 2025 newsletter. Under the dynamic leadership of Global President Mr. Benedicto Mbango, UPAM is spearheading strategic efforts to uplift communities across the continent and its diaspora. The organization’s latest strides encompass socio-political advocacy, economic empowerment, legal reform, youth inclusion, and cultural consciousness.
From the President’s Desk: A Call for Unity and Sustainability
President Mbango’s address reflects deep concern for both regional and global challenges. From the conflicts in Palestine, Ukraine, and Russia to crises in Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, and Cameroon, he highlights Africa’s potential to rise as a global powerhouse—if only unity, sustainability, and self-prioritization can be achieved. UPAM’s direction for 2025 involves:
- Strengthening grassroots movements.
- Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Promoting African-led education and economic initiatives.
Institutions such as Wakanda Network News, UPAM Microfinance Bank, UPAM Academy, and the Made in Africa (MIA) E-commerce Platform embody this vision by offering media, financial inclusion, learning, and commercial support to African people.
Pan-African Science & Technology Exhibition: Innovation at the Forefront
Held in Abuja, Nigeria, the 4th Edition of the Pan African Science and Technology Exhibition in November 2024 emphasized technology’s role in transforming society.
Key Highlights:
- Media Roundtable: Outreach via iTV to raise awareness on how innovation addresses critical challenges.
- Public Rally: Drones and RC aircraft showcased in Wuse captivated the public, sparking interest in aerospace tech.
- Exhibition Proper: A platform for dialogue and demonstration of technology-driven solutions in energy, agriculture, and education.
This event reinforced UPAM’s belief that Africa’s transformation must be powered by science, innovation, and homegrown solutions.
Legal Empowerment and Continental Integration: The African Experience
A central feature of the newsletter is the compelling article “The Deliberate Continental Integration as a Bulwark Against Colonial Influence: The African Experience” by legal scholar Standa Sani.
Core Arguments:
- Africa’s legal and governance systems are still shaped by colonial frameworks.
- African black lawyers must drive reforms by incorporating Afrocentric values and indigenous traditions.
- Continental integration—through initiatives like AfCFTA and AU Agenda 2063—is critical in dismantling neocolonial structures.
Historical Parallel:
The article draws powerful parallels between Africa’s colonial past and global tragedies like the Holocaust, calling out the unequal recognition of African suffering, especially under Belgium’s King Leopold II. Over 10 million Congolese perished, yet this atrocity remains under-acknowledged globally.
Recommendations Include:
- Reforming legal education with Afrocentric content.
- Supporting black lawyers via mentorship and funding.
- Promoting public legal literacy and community justice.
- Amplifying reparative justice efforts through AU initiatives.
UPAM Integration Program: Mental and Economic Liberation
The UPAM Integration Program was launched to catalyze mental liberation and African unity through education and communication. A flagship initiative is the UPAM Podcast, focused on:
- African Unity & Identity
- Economic Empowerment
- Agricultural Development
- Diaspora Engagement
The podcast has already secured $600 in startup funds and launched a dedicated website to promote interaction and awareness.
What’s Next?
- April 2025: A continent-wide fundraising campaign targeting sustainable agriculture.
- August 2025: Launch of pilot agricultural projects, including crop cultivation and livestock development.
Africans Making Waves Through Writing and Intellectual Engagement
Through literature, legal discourse, and public advocacy, UPAM is fostering a new generation of thought leaders. Their focus on Pan-Africanism, education, research, and legal reform underscores the role of knowledge in reshaping Africa’s destiny.
A featured puzzle game in the newsletter highlights key themes: Innovation, Leadership, Research, Inclusion, Partnership, Empowerment, and more—reinforcing how intellectual capital drives development.
Opportunities for African Youth and Leaders
The newsletter lists numerous scholarships, fellowships, and funding opportunities available in 2025, including:
- AIG Public Leaders Programme – Deadline: May 1, 2025.
- NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Program – Deadline: March 17, 2025.
- NLNG Prize for Literary Criticism ($10,000) – Deadline: April 2, 2025.
- L’Oréal-UNESCO Young Talents for Women in Science (€25,000) – Deadline: April 7, 2025.
- Harvard South Africa Fellowship – Deadline: April 15, 2025.
These platforms aim to uplift African talent, catalyze development, and enhance global representation.
Conclusion: Towards a United and Empowered Africa
The UPAM March 2025 Newsletter paints a vivid picture of a continent in transition—boldly confronting its past while crafting a new vision for the future. From legal reform to technology, from economic empowerment to cultural resurgence, UPAM is rallying Africans to rise collectively.
As President Mbango aptly declares:
“The unity of the African people is essential to our collective well-being and is non-negotiable.”
Long Live Africa. Long Live UPAM.
