AFRICA RISING

Because the stories that are told about us matter.

IMAGE OF THE MONTH

A trip to Zanzibar would not be complete without a guided spice-tour. Agile coconut picker aka “Butterfly-ee” demonstrates, with no small amount of flair, how coconuts are harvested.

Photographed by Damaris Agweyu

BACKSTORIES

Historically, Africa’s narrative has often been filtered through a lens of helplessness and strife. But new truths about the continent are being uncovered; truths that are leading to a gradual shift away from the victim to victor mentality for Africa and her people.

The Adventures of Abu Bakar II: Evidence from ‘They Came Before Columbus’ by Ivan Van Sertima

With continued study and exploration, the bigger picture of Africa before European contact and during those first few years of contact has been emerging. And it is not a bad picture at all. ...

September 14, 2021

Ethiopia’s Rise After the Late Bronze Age Collapse

Ethiopia was one of the few powers that rose after the Late Bronze Age collapse. In just a few centuries, she was finally able to move from the shadows of Egypt and set her own destiny. ...

August 27, 2021

Ethiopia Origins in the Shadows of Egypt

Ethiopia’s Origins in the Shadows of Dynastic Egypt

In spite of the critical role of the Ethiopian highlands in sustaining the Nile plains, Ethiopia was only ever a subordinate to Egyptian ambitions. ...

August 20, 2021

INSPIRING VOICES

“Never Say Die”, Professor PLO Lumumba on Planting Trees Under Whose Shade We Do Not Expect to Sit

The trouble with Africa is simply and squarely a problem of leadership. ...

September 10, 2021

“We Do Not Become to Do, We Do to Become” Willie Oeba on Using Art to Effect Social Change

“We Do Not Become to Do, We Do to Become” Willie Oeba on Using Art to Inspire Social Change

As an artist, you cannot do everything. What you can do is to inspire the minds that will bring change. ...

July 22, 2021

“This Is Not Some Get Rich Quick Scheme; It’s a Protest”, Africa’s Lead Authority on Blockchain, Lucky Uwakwe, Demystifies the Technology Infrastructure Behind Bitcoin

In global history, people have always found alternatives. The only thing we couldn’t find an alternative to is money… until now. ...

July 16, 2021

Nyambura Ndiba on Tiny House Living and DIY in Kenya

It took discipline and focus to achieve my dream of owning a tiny home. ...

June 17, 2021

Cyprian Kiswili: The Multi-Talented Footwear Designer Behind the Art on Artcaffe’s Coffee Takeaway Cups

Art is subjective. Take negative comments on the chin and forge ahead. ...

June 9, 2021

In Support of African Authors: Meet the Man behind the First Ever All-African Bookshop

It’s unfair to say that Kenyans or Africans don’t read. It could be that a large percentage don’t read. But there are many Kenyans that love their books. ...

June 3, 2021

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Facebook Has Known for a Year and a Half That Instagram Is Bad for Teens Despite Claiming Otherwise – Here Are the Harms Researchers Have Been Documenting For Years

Being an object for others to view doesn’t help the “selfie generation” feel empowered and sure of themselves – it can do exactly the opposite. ...

The Conversation September 24, 2021

How Bridge International Academies Is Expanding Education Into Africa’s Underserved Communities

In many developing countries, where government schools are overcrowded and private schools are too expensive, a chasm of financial exclusion sits between underprivileged children and quality education. ...

Patrick Hayward September 23, 2021

What Boxes Should You Check to Be Ready for Retirement?

Preparing for Retirement? Here are Some Boxes You Should Check

Do not even think that your contributions to NSSF will adequately sustain you when you retire. You definitely need another pension plan. ...

Steve Muriithi September 22, 2021