May is regarded as Africa Month, with the 25th of May set aside as Africa Day. All African countries mark this day as a special occasion in their calendars, with various activities held to commemorate it.

In an interview with My Afrika Magazine, Mister Africa International 2nd runner-up, Future Nyoni, shared his views about the sacred month of May, also known as Africa Month. Future Nyoni described Africa Day as a day dedicated to celebrating the uniqueness and richness of Africa’s culture, a celebration that emphasizes the importance of unity. “Africa Day is a celebration of our rich heritage and potential. We can honour it by promoting unity, supporting local initiatives, and amplifying African voices,” said Future Nyoni.

King Nyoni added that one way to promote unity is by cultivating a culture of peace and non-violence in African communities through education, community engagement, and promoting role models who advocate for peace. He emphasized that the silencing of guns should not be delayed until 2030 or 2060, but must begin now.

When asked about the biggest challenges faced by African youth, he highlighted that limited access to education and healthcare are major issues. King Nyoni called upon African governments to invest more in these critical sectors. “Limited access to education, economic opportunities, and healthcare are significant hurdles. We need to invest in programmes that address these issues,” encouraged Future Nyoni.

When Nyoni was elected Mister Africa International Zimbabwe, he announced his motto: “Together we can.” The motto trended on social media during and after his campaign for Mister Africa International. King Future told My Afrika Magazine that this has become a household brand for him and for Africa, symbolizing a call to collective action for positive change.

“Well, ‘Together we can’ means collective action and support can drive positive change. By working together, we can overcome challenges and achieve our goals. To me, it has become more than just a statement, it is now a brand, not only for me but for Mister Africa International Zimbabwe and for Africa as a whole. It is ironic because when my team and I first introduced this statement, I was only Mister Africa International Zimbabwe. Now, I am Mister Southern Africa, which means it is a call for everyone in Southern Africa to be united,” said Nyoni.

Turning to his advocacy for peace in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan, Nyoni reiterated his call for peace, stressing that every child has the right to live in a peaceful environment. King Nyoni urged African leaders to engage in dialogue and invest in education, which he believes are the key solutions for building a peaceful continent.

“Every child deserves a safe and stable environment. Conflict disrupts education and their future. We must promote peace and support affected communities. Leaders and citizens must encourage dialogue, address the root causes of conflict, and invest in education and economic development. Young people can drive innovation, advocate for change, and lead community initiatives,” said King Nyoni.

Nyoni also urged world leaders to support organizations such as PAWA in Goma, DRC, which provide educational resources in crisis situations. “The situation in Goma is heartbreaking, it is not a humane environment. I urge governments, especially in Southern Africa, to join forces and support organizations like PAWA that provide educational resources and raise awareness about the importance of education in crisis situations,” said King Nyoni.

To the youth, King Nyoni emphasized that as the continent celebrates Africa Month, young people should stay away from toxic activities, believe in themselves, and create a positive future because, united, they can make a difference.