The way Africa sees itself has been shaped by centuries of external influence. From the languages spoken in schools and government offices to the media narratives that portray success as something to be achieved through Western validation, culture has long been a tool of control. Many Africans are fluent in European languages yet struggle to read and write in their own mother tongues. The stories taught in schools focus more on European history than on Africa’s vast intellectual and scientific contributions. Even in pop culture, foreign styles and brands are often placed above local creations, reinforcing the idea that African originality is second-rate. These influences do more than dictate tastes - they shape confidence, ambition and self-worth on a continental scale.
Recognising this, some African nations and communities are actively working to reclaim their cultural identity. Countries like Rwanda have prioritised the use of indigenous languages in education and governance, while initiatives like Nigeria’s Nollywood have propelled African storytelling onto the global stage. Media outlets are emerging to counter Western narratives, promoting African successes and redefining what progress looks like. Similarly, fashion, music and literature rooted in African heritage are gaining international recognition, proving that cultural independence is not just possible but highly influential. These movements challenge the long-held belief that external validation is necessary, reinforcing the idea that Africa can shape its own narrative on its own terms.
One of the biggest challenges is that colonial-era divisions still weaken Africa’s unity. Borders drawn by foreign powers separated communities that once traded, married and governed together. These artificial separations fueled internal rivalries, making it easier for external actors to manipulate African nations. Instead of working as a united bloc, many countries remain locked in competition, often to the benefit of global powers that extract resources and dictate economic terms. However, the tide is turning. Movements promoting African unity, from regional trade agreements to cultural exchanges, are beginning to rebuild connections that were once severed. The resurgence of indigenous languages, the rise of African storytelling in film and literature and the reclaiming of traditional knowledge are all part of a larger movement to reshape Africa’s narrative on its own terms.
But change must go beyond cultural pride. It requires breaking the mental conditioning that equates foreign influence with progress. It means rejecting the idea that African knowledge is outdated while Western ideas are inherently superior. It means teaching children about African scholars, inventors and leaders with the same importance given to European figures. It also means understanding that true cultural independence isn’t just about reclaiming traditions, but about creating new ones that reflect modern African realities. The battle against neocolonialism is not just fought in government buildings or trade negotiations. It is also fought in classrooms, in music, in the way people talk about themselves and their future.