About – African Nations Colonization Memorial

A Place of Remembrance for an Entire Continent

ANCOM is a sacred space dedicated to honoring the millions of Africans who resisted, suffered, and perished during centuries of colonization and the transatlantic slave trade — echoing the AU’s landmark February 2026 resolution.

--Our Mission

Why ANCOM Exists

Whereas the AU currently lacks a memorial that commemorates victims of colonization and the transatlantic slave trade, and ignoring this dark period of racial terrorism in our past delegitimizes the emotional wounds of the victims’ descendants, this inaugural continental memorial will offer a more restorative experience for everyone involved.

This will strengthen the historic and familial ties between the African Union and the African Diaspora and serve as a symbol of collective healing for African nations and their global descendants.

Besides calling on the international community to acknowledgement and repentance, the memorial aims to foster a new era of truth, shape ongoing debates on reparative justice, strongly support the AU resolution’s international recognition, and ensure that the experiences of African communities during colonization are neither forgotten nor overlooked.

The African Nations Colonization Memorial Emblem

ANCOM's emblem features a burning candle and a map of Africa on a globe, encircled by two olive branches. In line with our mission of unity and shared remembrance, the logo intentionally avoids religious symbols to maintain an inclusive memorial that represents the African diaspora and all African nations, cultures, and beliefs. The burning candle acts as a quiet yet powerful tribute to the generations affected by colonization and the transatlantic slave trade, while also guiding the way toward truth. The globe shows Africa and its global diaspora, highlighting the impacts of colonization and the resilience of its people. The olive branch symbolizes ANCOM's commitment to the United Nations' efforts to promote global peace.

A Continental Voice

Developed in collaboration with historians, cultural institutions, and communities across the African Union, the memorial reflects the voices and perspectives of the people whose histories it preserves. Each participating nation will contribute narratives, archives, and commemorative elements that honor their unique experiences while acknowledging the shared reality of colonization.

Our Mission

We bring the right people together to challenge established thinking and drive transform in 2020

Honor the victims of colonization across the African continent — those who lost their lives, their lands, their cultures, and their freedom.

Preserve historical truth by documenting the impacts of colonial rule across the nations of Africa.

Recognize resistance and resilience, highlighting the leaders, movements, and communities who fought for sovereignty and dignity.

Educate future generations about the lasting effects of colonization and the importance of justice, self-determination, and cultural preservation.

Our Commitment

Historical Accuracy

Scholarly integrity in all documentation.

Cultural Respect

Honoring all cultures and communities represented.

Collaboration

Working with African institutions and educators.

Meaningful Dialogue

Ensuring remembrance leads to learning.

-- Historical Context

Centuries of Colonization & Its Legacy

Colonization reshaped Africa’s political borders, economies, languages, and social systems — leaving legacies that continue to influence the continent and global systems today.

15th–19th Century

Early Contact & The Transatlantic Slave Trade

European engagement with Africa began in the 1400s when Portuguese explorers established trading posts along West Africa's coast. From the 16th to the 19th centuries, the Transatlantic slave trade forcibly transported approximately 12 to 12.5 million Africans to the Americas. Historians estimate 1.5 to 2 million died during the Middle Passage alone. Many more perished in slave raids, forced marches to the coast, and captivity.

Late 19th–Early 20th Century

The Scramble for Africa

By the late 1800s, European powers shifted from coastal trade to full territorial conquest. The 1884–1885 Berlin Conference formalized the division of African territories — without African representation. Between 1885 and 1914, nearly the entire continent was divided among European empires. One of the most notorious examples was the Congo Free State under Leopold II, where forced labor and brutality led to an estimated 8–10 million deaths.

Mid-20th Century

Decolonization

After WWII weakened European powers, ideas of self-determination gained worldwide support. African veterans who had fought in the war returned to still-colonized societies. Their wartime experiences fueled nationalist movements. Over 50 colonized territories gained independence through the sacrifices of their people. In 1960 alone — the "Year of Africa" — 17 African countries gained independence.

February 2026

Birth of ANCOM

African Union leaders adopted a resolution describing slavery and colonialism as genocide and crimes against the people of Africa. Member states designated November 30 as the "African Day of Tribute to African Martyrs and Victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Colonization, and Apartheid." ANCOM was established to support and amplify this historic resolution.

20M+

African deaths directly attributable to slave trading and colonial systems between the 15th and early 20th centuries

12.5M

Africans forcibly transported across the Atlantic during the transatlantic slave trade

8–10M

Deaths in the Congo Free State alone under Leopold II's rule between 1885 and 1908

Extraction of Wealth

Massive outflows of raw materials — gold, rubber, cotton, palm oil, minerals — to Europe with minimal reinvestment in Africa.

Distorted Development

Infrastructure built primarily to extract resources, not to integrate or strengthen local economies.

Under-Industrialization

Colonial policies deliberately discouraged African manufacturing to protect European industries.

Lost Growth: $Trillions

Modern economic analyses estimate Africa's lost growth from slavery and colonial extraction amounts to trillions in foregone GDP.