Jamaican civil rights activist, Marcus Garvey, is known to have said “A people without the knowledge of their culture, history and origin is like a tree without it’s roots”. This statement was premised on the importance of foundation, identity and heritage in human evolution, specifically that of an African. Having no roots means disconnection from heritage, weak and unstable. Through symbols and signage an African stays in touch with who they are.
National symbols play a crucial role in defining a country’s identity, promoting unity and reflecting it’s history as well as culture.
As we navigate the space provided by our ability to freely express ourselves, we should also acknowledge some of the important descriptors that are crucial in defining and reminding us who we are. Symbols and signage have always been important in the life of an African. The way an African dresses or sits for example may symbolise their status in society or within the family.
National symbols are a powerful representation of an African country’s values. For the owners of the symbols these symbols evoke feelings of patriotism, unity and pride. These symbols are a basic definition of who those people are and represent what they look up to. It is values that are meant to be hared by previous, current and upcoming generations. Therefore, these symbols represent the central identity of these men and women.
AFRICA: A CONTINENT OF UNITY
But before we get into national signage let us look at Africa as one destination. The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) whose mandate mainly centred around decolonisation and liberation gave birth to the African Union (AU) which has a broader mandate that included economic integration, maintenance of peace, security, good governance and solidarity. The African Union has a flag is a dark green image of the African Continent with 53 stars that represent the member states.
The AU has an official anthem, “Let Us All Unite and Celebrate Together”. The anthem was written as a poem titled “Proud to be African” by Ethiopian poet Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin and composed by Kenyan choral composer Arthur Mudogo Kemoli in 1986. It was initially adopted by the OAU, the AU’s predecessor, and continued to be used by the AU after its formation in 2002.
The lyrics include:
“Let us all unite and celebrate together / The victories won for our liberation”. “Let us dedicate ourselves to rise together / To defend our liberty and unity”. “O Sons and Daughters of Africa / Flesh of the Sun and Flesh of the Sky”. “Let us make Africa the Tree of Life”
The anthem symbolises African unity, solidarity and hope, reflecting the continent’s history of struggle, independence and liberation. It provides a unifying message for Africans and promotes continental cooperation and development.
AFRICAN NATIONS
Leopold Senghor, a Senegalese poet and politician suggests that, “A nation’s symbols are a mirror of it’s soul”. National symbols are varied and may include flags, anthems, coats of arms, emblems and other icons that represent a nation’s identity. These symbols often have deep cultural significance, and often reflect a country’s values, beliefs as well as traditions.
Because of time and space, we are not able factor all the 53 African nations but have picked up a few representatives to show the general approach.
National Flags
National Fags are more than just colourful pieces of fabric. They tell a story. These colours are arranged in patterns that are meant to have a meaning. We have seen various flags representing different countries across Africa. Flags are unique designs of colours that represent country’s heritage and its state of governance.
African flags often feature vibrant colours and symbolic designs that reflect the continent’s rich cultural heritage and political conscience. There is a general use of colours like red, black, green, and yellow which symbolise African unity and quest for liberation. Some flags incorporate national symbols, such as animals, plants, or traditional motifs, that reflect an African country’s unique identity.
Depending on different contexts, African flags often have specific meanings. There may be different meanings attached to the different colours depending on that country’s story. Green often represents nature, fertility or Islam. Blue often symbolises the sky, ocean, or hope. Red often represents courage, sacrifice, or the struggle for independence. Yellow and gold often represent wealth, sunshine and optimism. Black often symbolises the African people and the rich cultural heritage existent within the continent.
Each flag is a unique representation of that country’s history, culture and values. It can be quite interesting to look at the stories behind various African national flags. Look at the South Africa’s national flag. It tells a story about that country. The flag, adopted in 1994, symbolises unity amidst diversity using six colours (Red, black, green, blue, yellow and white staggered in the unique Y-shape design that represents the convergence of different elements that constitute the South African society.
Flags of many African nations incorporate the use of animals and symbols. For example the Zimbabweans flag has a bird which signifies depicting the country’s history and culture.
The Ghanaian flag features three pan african colours with red, yellow and green with a black star that represents African freedom. Respectively, the colours signify the blood shed for independence, the mineral wealth that the country possesses and the abundant natural resources that are abundant within the country.
The Kenyan flag showcases black for the African people, red for the struggle and blood shed in the quest for freedom ad green represents the land. The Maasai shield and spears represent Kenya’s defence of sovereignty and culture.
The Nigerian flag abundantly features green stripes for the rich agricultural capacity that the country possesses with a white stripe that represents peace and unity.
The Mauritanian flag combines pam african colours with an Islamic crescent and star, reflecting the nation’s commitment to African unity and faith.
The Mozambican flag’s red triangle represents the struggle for freedom while the emblem features a book, hoe, and rifle highlighting the nation’s dedication to education, agriculture, and defence of freedom.
The Rwandan flag’s design represents the country’s progress and unity, with blue symbolising joy and peace whilst yellow represents economic potential, and green signifies prosperity.
The Botswana flag’s design does not use the pan african and, instead features the dominance of blue which is interpreted to signify the importance of water and rainfall as well as black and white stripes for harmony and co-operation.
Flags are very central in the definition of a country. The movement from an apartheid era flagged South Africa was not just a fashionable change but a fundamental change of principle. In 2019, the South African Equality court ruled that the display of the old flag constituted harassment, hate speech and unfair discrimination. The court observed that the use of the old flag was an insult to Black people as it was not sensitive to the suffering that they went through with an apartheid cushioned government.
Burning flags has also been a sore cry in various African countries. In 2024, in the Central African Republic, citizens burnt the United States flag in response to the presence of private military company, Bancroft in that country. Morocco has severe sentences for those found guilty of burning a flag. This could be a sentence up to 3 years and a fine of 10000 Dirrhams. Egypt has a sentence of up to 30000 Egyptian Pounds. For Algeria it is 5 to 10 year sentence, Ethiopia a sentence up to 3 years and 5000 Birr and Nigeria 100 Nigerian dollar per day.
National Anthems
National anthems symbolise a country’s heritage and aspirations.
National anthems in Africa are significant symbols of national identity, unity, and pride. The varied representation centres around prioritising and common use of natural resources to benefit the citizenrym
East Africa provides a beautiful variation of song to represent what the citizens of those countries stand for. The Kenyan National Anthem is “Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu” which means “Oh God of All Creation”, emphasising unity, peace, and prosperity. Tanzania’s national anthem is “Mungu ibariki Afrika” which means “God Bless Africa”, reflecting the country’s diverse cultural heritage and aspirations for progress.
The Botswana is “Fatshe leno la rona”* – Meaning “Blessed Be This Noble Land”, representing the country’s noble land, work, and unity. For Zambia the national anthem is “Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free” emphasizing unity, freedom and national unity”.
The Ghanaian national anthem is “God Bless Our Homeland Ghana” emphasising national pride, unity, and aspirations for progress. Nigeria says, “Arise, O Compatriots” reflecting on the country’s diverse cultural heritage, unity, and aspirations for progress. The Senegalese national anthem is “The Red Lion” symbolizing courage, strength, and national pride.
The Egyptians say, “Bilady, Bilady, Bilady” enbodying national identity, solidarity, and pride. Algerians sing “Kassaman” which symbolises the country’s struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and national unity.
National anthems are to be respected. When the singing of a national anthem begins there must be complete silence from the audience except partaking in singing the melody. Audience members are expected to remove their hats without exception and face the flag (if the flag is available). Participants must sing with dignity and mo distractions. All sorts of distractions are not allowed including laughing, talking while the national anthem is being played. Avoid doing anything that could be perceived as disrespect for that anthem as it is an assault on the dignity of that nation. The national anthem is inflexible as singers are not allowed to remix or alter the melody, tempo or lyrics.
National anthems have not easily escaped controversy and debate. The inclusion elements of “Die Stem”, the old national anthem have always left the house divided.
‘Nkosi Sikelel’Afrika (God bless Africa)” was composed by Enoch Somntonga and has been adopted as a national anthem by a number of African countries including Zambia, Tanzania and South Africa (though the South African version contains the added elements of “Die Stem van Suid Africa”.
National anthems have also brought controversies in sport. The feeling of disrespect by opposing fans has led to various misunderstandings between countries. The impasse between Egypt and Ethiopia is one example. After a FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the two countries, the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) filed a complaint with FIFA alleging that there was disrespect towards Ethiopia’s national anthem. Egyptian fans reportedly disrupted the Ethiopian anthem with whistles, jeers, and other forms of audible sounds, which the Ethiopians claimed was a direct contravention of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code.
COATS OF ARMS
Various African countries have unique coats of arms that symbolise that are important representations of what those nations stand for.
The Egyptian coat of arms features the golden Eagle of Saladin, a symbol of strength and courage. The Libyan emblem features a crescent moon and star, representing Islam, and the country’s name in Arabic. The Moroccan coat of arms features a red shield with a green pentagram, symbolising the five pillars of Islam, and the Atlas Mountains.
The Ethiopian emblem features a golden lion, symbolising bravery and strength and a staff with a ribbon. The Kenyan Coat of arms features two lions, representing strength and courage, and a shield with a Maasai spear and shield. The Tanzanian coat of arms features a shield with a burning torch, representing freedom and enlightenment, a spear and an axe.
The South African coat of arms features a shield with two human figures from Khoisan rock art, representing unity and diversity and a protea flower. The Namibian coat of arms features a shield with a desert rose, representing the country’s unique landscape, and two gemsbok. The Botswana coat of arms features a shield with three stripes, representing the country’s motto “Pula” (rain), and two zebras.
The Ghanaian coat of arms features a shield with a lion, representing strength and courage, and an eagle. The Nigerian coat of arms features a black shield and white wavy lines, representing the country’s rich cultural heritage. The Senegalese coat of arms features a shield with a lion, representing strength and courage, and a baobab tree.
WHY ARE NATIONAL SYMBOLS IMPORTANT?
National symbols play a vital role in promoting unity. They can bring people together, transcending cultural and linguistic differences. National symbols reflect a country’s history, values, and culture, helping to define its identity.
National symbols can evoke strong feelings of patriotism amongst the citizens.
By understanding and appreciating these symbols, we can gain a deeper insight into a country’s history, culture and values.
National symbols have played a significant role in Africa’s fight for freedom and independence. These symbols have been used to represent the struggles, aspirations, and values of African nations..