The African Union , a continent-wide organization created to fight colonialism, is celebrating its' 50th anniversary this week.

African leaders are pleased with the Union's accomplishments and are ready to set more goals for the growing continent.

"If you look at the last 10 years, Africa has been growing economically," said Union Chair Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. "There has been quite a lot of development even in terms of infrastructure, not enough yet, but countries have been working hard."

The week-long celebration will end on Saturday in Ethiopia with visits from foreign leaders, including U.S Secretary of State John Kerry.

The African Union Commission elected a female as its' head for the first time on Sunday.

South African Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma ran against Jean Ping and won 37-17.

When Dhlamini-Zuma was asked what she would bring to the African Union Commission, she said:

"Like a doctor, you first diagnose and then you treat. I will have to take it from there."