In my early days, my daily commute to school involved passing by a villa enclosed on three sides by the then-Organisation of African Unity (OAU) compound. Journeying with the venerable Bus Number 2 of Anbessa public transport from the Mekanissa area, the route navigated through the Vatican Embassy, Sarbet, Mexico Square, Lideta and culminated at the heart of Merkato. Occasionally, the bus's engine succumbed to exhaustion, especially on the challenging ascent near the former OAU compound, prompting passengers to disembark and trek uphill.

Every time I passed by the villa, I observed the daily activities of a large family. Despite the absence of regular neighbours, their unique status left a lasting impression, as if the occupants were cradled in the embrace of the entire African continent.

As the political nucleus, OAU perpetuated Addis Abeba's role as a melting pot of cultures, a beacon for anti-colonial struggles and a jewel of freedom. Its successor African Union (AU) eventually incorporated the villa into its compound, sealing off the wrought-iron gate that once served as its entrance. While the fate of the large family remains unknown, their sacrifice for the loftier cause of Africa resonates in the AU's expanded premises, extending into the erstwhile Kerchele grounds.

Fast forward three decades, I found myself at a standstill multiple times due to the movement of dignitaries and security motorcades during the AU summit last weekend. However, I choose to perceive these inconveniences as a relatively small price to pay for Addis Abeba's unique role as the diplomatic hub for the continent.

This mindset traces back to my early days when our house was rented to AU operational staff members at various times. It gave me a chance to get acquainted with various nationals. I remember a Kenyan girl who stayed for several years until the end of her mission. We shared memorable moments including her engagement occasion and the emotional departure was not easy.

During my stay in Togo six years ago, encounters with Togolese people reinforced the power of shared grief and the solace found in diverse companies. Togo, a nation etched in my memory as the only country I visited on the continent, encapsulates the essence of unspoiled nature, warm people, and a relaxed ambience. The diverse landscapes, from the Sahara to equatorial rainforests, the Ethiopian mountains to the Nile and Congo river basins, evoke a sense of awe. Positioned as a gateway between continents, Africa holds the promise of greatness, a potential awaiting realisation.

The ties between its people, despite linguistic and cultural diversity, fall short of the desired strength. When prompted, many of us can recount about distant regions like the West or the Middle East than our immediate neighbours. Hollywood and Bollywood overshadow cultural references of Nollywood and Riverwood. It is ironic. There is much to discover and appreciate about the continent—abundant natural resources, breathtaking landscapes, humble and nature-connected people and unparalleled diversity.

Africa's historical narrative, marked by colonisation and a "dark continent" portrayal, has cast a shadow on its immense potential. While challenges persist, promising signs emerge—a tripling of the middle class, a youthful population of 400 million, improving literacy rates and a continent poised for technological advancements and economic development.