Panel 1 on the third day of the Congress addressed a crucial issue: “Africa’s Image in Today’s World: Challenges and Stakes in Promoting the African Narrative”.
How can we regain control of the narrative? How can we transform the way the world sees Africa — and more importantly, the way Africa sees itself?
Four powerful voices delivered their analyses and proposals for a narrative revolution led by Africans and their diasporas, in digital spaces as well as in institutions.
🎙️ The African Narrative: Reclaiming the Power of Storytelling
For too long, Africa’s history has been told by others. Unbalanced narratives, constructed through external perspectives, have shaped a reductive image of the continent in the global imagination.
This panel demonstrated that narrative sovereignty is just as strategic as economic or political sovereignty. Without mastery of our own narrative, we remain prisoners of imposed perceptions.
The solution? A structured strategy, strong African platforms, and above all, convincing Africans themselves first so they become the continent’s best ambassadors.
👥 The Speakers
GHANA
Ofori Oral
He highlighted the importance of regaining control of the African narrative in digital spaces. Faced with the persistence of unbalanced narratives constructed through external perspectives, he called for the creation of a strong African platform to disseminate authentic stories.
” Africa must become the author of its own history in the digital world. “
SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
Foreman Idita
She affirmed that culture – fashion, arts, media, cultural diplomacy – is a strategic driver of transformation. She encourages investment in creative infrastructure: schools, digital platforms, fashion hubs.
” Culture is a soft weapon of sovereignty and a major economic lever. “
UNITED STATES
Eric Agnero
He denounced the absence of genuine African communication within institutions, particularly at the African Union. Dependence on external funding prevents the creation of autonomous narratives. He emphasized the need to involve youth, who are virtually absent from these spaces of reflection.
” Without a sovereign communication strategy and without youth mobilization, there will be no solid African narrative. “
KENYA
Tulu Alfred Omondi
He observed that the main challenge facing the African narrative is the lack of self-esteem in our societies. Promoting culture cannot succeed without deep mental transformation. He encourages the strategic use of African influencers and emphasizes the importance of implementing resolutions.
” Without action, speeches remain futile. “
🏛️ The Four Pillars of the African Narrative
1
Digital Sovereignty
Create African platforms to disseminate authentic narratives
2
Creative Industries
Invest in fashion, arts, and media as economic levers
3
Youth Mobilization
Integrate young people into spaces of reflection and decision-making
4
Mental Transformation
Restore self-esteem so Africans become their own ambassadors
🎯 The Message of This Panel
The world will see Africa differently when Africans tell their story differently. But for that to happen, we must first convince Africans themselves that they are capable of shaping their own destiny.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Africa must regain control of its narrative in digital spaces
- Culture is an economic lever and a weapon of sovereignty
- African institutions lack an autonomous communication strategy
- Youth must be integrated into spaces of reflection
- Lack of self-esteem is the first obstacle to overcome
- African influencers can carry a positive image of the continent
- Without concrete action, resolutions remain dead letters
📣 Stay Connected
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