AFRICA: PERHAPS YOU THINK YOU UNDERSTAND THIS CONTINENT

Anytime I spoke, listened, and observed the curiosity of non-Africans at an international conference about Africa as a continent, I noticed a deep desire to learn about the African view. Many projects, books, organizations, and philosophies, were built around Africa. I often feel that non-Africans want me to share THE AFRICAN view instead of MY VIEW AS AN AFRICAN. There is a difference that needs to be examined or our knowledge about Africa may only be the view of one or a group of Africans representing all.

I appreciate the curiosity and commitment of various Africans and non-Africans/ organizations who are genuinely interested in understanding how to relate to Africa for flourishing collaborations. I hope you will find a helpful direction in this article.

When you asked me to share the African view about an issue, the question I may ask is which one of them? “The current population of Africa is 1,495,060,840 as of Friday, July 5, 2024, based on the latest United Nations estimates. Africa’s population is equivalent to 17.89% of the total world population.” According to A2A Safari, “The vast expanse of the African continent spans many different climatic regions and contains everything from dry deserts to swamps to rainforests to glacier-covered mountaintops. Its fifty-four countries are home to over 3,000 different tribes and ethnic groups….” ([https://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/safaris, sourcing date 5-7-2024, time 11: 45).

Moreover, there are different worldviews, currencies, flags, national anthems, and other areas. Which one of them are you talking about? How would I know the African view about an issue? Does it exist? How would you reach the right conclusion? As an African, I cannot even travel freely to all the nations without a visa or an authorized document in any form. I have only stepped on the soil of four African countries. How would I know what that African view is?

I agree that there are areas of similarities, but what is that one position that I can call the African view? Giles Bolton makes a valid statement. He states, “The bottom line remains that Africa has never even taken off….” (Giles Bolton, Africa Doesn’t Matter: New York, Arcade Publishing, 2008,p.48). This is true. There is a need to reevaluate what we thought we knew about Africa.

(Expect the full article soon God willing).

Pusonnam Yiri
(Theologian-Entrepreneur- Journalist)