Abstract

Dominant narratives on the African continent suggest that the continent’s challenges can be resolved by addressing three main things: leadership on the political and economic fronts, the cessation of conflicts, and improved governance through consolidating democracy. African leaders recognise these concerns as critical. However, they emphasise African states’ political and economic self-determination, including pursuing freedom from neo-colonialism, challenging an unequal international order, fostering continental unity and integration, and safeguarding African states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. For African states, these pursuits are foundational to achieving sustainable peace, development, and prosperity for Africa. The difference in focus gives rise to questions around what are the externally and internally driven narratives about Africa. Understanding these narratives is also essential for understanding the behaviour of African actors and the ways they engage with critical issues at local, national, continental, and international levels. This panel probes into these and other questions to understand current developments in African politics. The panel relies on the expertise of diplomats, development workers, politicians and policy analysts who have worked and continue to engage with these issues at various levels.