Pan-African colours Facts for Kids

The traditional flag of Ethiopia, whose colours have inspired many Pan-African groups.

The Pan-African flag, also known as the UNIA flag.

Pan-African colours are special colour combinations that represent the idea of Pan-Africanism. Pan-Africanism is a movement that encourages the unity and strength of people of African descent worldwide. There are two main sets of colours that are known as Pan-African.

One set uses green, yellow, and red. These colours come from the flag of Ethiopia. Many African countries have used these colours in their own flags. They are also a symbol for many Pan-African groups and the Rastafari movement.

The other set of colours is red, black, and green. Marcus Garvey first introduced these colours in 1920. They also stand for Pan-Africanism and are seen on the Pan-African flag. Sometimes, these colours are used to represent black nationalism, which focuses on the unity and self-determination of Black people.

Green, Yellow, and Red: The Ethiopian Connection
Red, Black, and Green: Garvey's Vision
Current Country Flags with Pan-African Symbolism
Other Pan-African Flags
Flags from the Past
Flags with Similar Colours (But Different Meanings)
See also

Green, Yellow, and Red: The Ethiopian Connection

You can find green, yellow, and red on the national flags of many African nations today. These colours were inspired by the flag of Ethiopia. Ethiopia's flag has influenced many Pan-African organizations and countries.

Ethiopia was special because it stayed free from European control during the colonial era. This was mostly because Ethiopia defeated the Italian army at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. This victory made Ethiopia a symbol of freedom and strength for many newly independent African states. Because of this, many Pan-African groups started using Ethiopia's national colours.

Ghana was the first African country to adopt a flag with gold (yellow), red, and green colours when it became independent in 1957. Theodosia Okoh designed this flag.

Red, Black, and Green: Garvey's Vision

The Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA) was founded by Marcus Garvey. Their rules say that red, black, and green are the Pan-African colours. They explain what each colour means:

Red stands for the noble blood that connects all people of African descent.
Black is for the people themselves.
Green represents the rich land of Africa.

The UNIA flag was officially chosen as the colours for Black Africans by the UNIA. This happened at their meeting in Madison Square Garden on August 13, 1920, in New York City, United States.

Current Country Flags with Pan-African Symbolism

Many countries and territories use one or both sets of Pan-African colours in their official flags. Here are some examples:

Other Pan-African Flags

These flags are not national flags, but they use Pan-African colours to represent different groups or communities.

African National Congress
African American flag by David Hammons
Azawad
Sudan Liberation Movement/Army
East African Community
Union of African States (1958–1961)
Union of African States (1961–1962)
Interahamwe

Flags from the Past

Some flags used to have Pan-African colours but have since changed.

Cape Verde (1975–1992)
Malawi (2010–2012)
Rwanda (1961–2001)
South Kasai (1960–1961)
Zaire (Congo-Kinshasa) (1971–1997)
Flag of Tanganyika (1961–1964)
Flag of Senegal (1958–1959)

Flags with Similar Colours (But Different Meanings)

Some flags use green, yellow, and red, or red, black, and green, but they were not designed to represent Pan-Africanism. Their designs might look similar, but their meaning is different.

For example, the colours used by Rastafari also come from the Ethiopian flag. While Rastafari beliefs often support Pan-African ideas, their use of the Ethiopian flag is mainly because they respect and honor the former Ethiopian emperor, Haile Selassie.