TAF Narrative is one of the 5 African Federation Focus Units and the first to Soft Launch. This particular focus unit drives forward initiatives that change the imposed narrative and inspire Africans to rediscover Africa's strength in unity amid our diversity. Our collective strength lies in recognizing that our destinies are intertwined and TAF Narrative promotes working together so we can overcome the shared challenges and build a future where all African nations thrive.
Our Mission
TAF Narrative advocates for our rich and diverse history along with our culture; with an emphasis on Africans amplifying our story and purposeful communication, for a stronger pan-African mentality and consequently outlining our identity, objectives and potential.
Our Vision
A future where the African empires prosper through the preservation of cultural heritage, we envision a positive and dynamic narrative shaped by Africans.
TAF Narrative is administered by the Focus Unit CEO and the Deputy CEO, supported by the Head of Production, Head of Distribution, Head of Engagement and Head of Support Unit. The leadership team is responsible for unit-level objectives, activities & impact which are integrated & aligned with those of TAF at a global level. The following TAF Narrative Leadership positions are currently occupied:
Benjamin Musanjufu Kavubu - TAF Narrative CEO
Hibo Hagi-Nur - TAF Narrative Deputy CEO
Charles Neville Lwanyaaga - TAF Narrative Head of Production
Paul Olugbuyi - TAF Narrative Head of Support Units
Jonathan Nsubuga - TAF Narrative Head of Communications
The TAF Narrative Leadership team is under development and there are some vacant posts. Listed below are the defferent positions within TAF Narrative that are yet to be occupied:
Head of Distribution
The individual is in-charge of the development & execution of the content distribution strategy, collaboration with internal & external partners to ensure accurate and impactful storytelling and the management of content distribution in collaboration with external partners.
Requirements: proven experience in content distribution; strong research & storytelling skills; creative mindset, passion for promoting African narratives.
Head of Engagement
This person will develop & implement social media & other strategies for community & stakeholder engagement, develop & implement communication protocols, facilitate communication with other Focus Units & TAF Chapters as well as leading the evaluation activities to assess impact for continuous improvement. He/She will also coordinate with the Heads of Production & Distribution to align engagement activities.
Requirements: proven experience in community engagement & stakeholder relations; familiarity with monitoring & evaluation processes; creative mindset, passion for promoting African narratives.
If you want to be a member of the TAF Narrative Leadership Team and have skills that were described in one of the roles, register here:
https://theafricanfederation.org/project/taf-narrative/
TAF Narrative Objective
TAF Narrative Focus Unit endeavours to achieve a positive and dynamic narrative for the continent and we understand that the power to shape our own story lies within us Africans. To control our narrative we must reverse the negative mentality and strive to change the African perspective as an impoverished continent. We encourage pan-African collaborations to foster a sense of unity and shared identity because standing united, we will amplify our African voices on the global stage, making it clear that Africa is not just a collection of nations but a superpower - a powerful force for positive change. Unity is not a surrender of sovereignty; rather, it's a strategic force that will strengthen the ability for all nations to thrive!
Bridge Building
Bridge building is a method of creating and guiding those inside and outside TAF about our policies and intentions as well as creating unity. We will use bridge building to expand collaborative activity across Focus Units and across Africa developing, explaining and advocating for our principles and policy positions.
Teaching Our Children
The narrative of our continent has often been shaped by external forces, leading to stereotypical depictions and misconceptions. To redefine this narrative, it is imperative to start at the grassroots level - with the education of children. The future of Africa is intricately tied to the education and empowerment of our youth. To shape a positive and dynamic narrative for the continent, it is essential to focus on how teaching children can play an important role in fostering a strong foundation for growth, development and cultural resurgence. TAF will explore the significance of education in shaping the African narrative. We will develop strategies to integrate local cultures and histories in student curriculum, ensuring that children are connected to their roots and understand the significance of their heritage. We will encourage the use of indigenous languages alongside formal education, fostering a sense of pride and identity.
As TAF we want African children to shape a global perspective while emphasising Africa's contributions to world history, science, and culture. We will promote critical thinking skills that enable children to analyse and challenge prevailing narratives. We will nurture creativity, innovation and a proactive approach to problem-solving. With our children we will celebrate African inventors and entrepreneurs as role models, inspiring children to aspire to greatness within their own communities. We will instill a sense of environmental consciousness by incorporating sustainability education into the curriculum. We will emphasise digital literacy, equipping African children with the skills necessary for the evolving global landscape.
Mentality Change
Consciousness of our mindset as Africans and intentionally reversing the negative mentality.
Heritage Unveiled: Rediscovering Africa's Diversity and Strength
Promote African identity including languages, history & origins, arts & culture.
Breaking the Chains of Oppression, Exploitation
& Imposed Foreign Ideologies
Being conscious of issues that are designed to contain us and developing mechanisms to counter them.
Expanding Our Own Media
Expanding distribution of African originated media and shaping our own story as a diverse and advancing continent. Increasing coverage by African correspondents to reduce stereotypes about the continent and change the perspective of Africa as a homogenous depressed continent.
Africa is a continent rich in history, culture, and diversity. Yet, the global narrative often fails to capture the true essence of our continent. The power to shape our own story lies within us, and one of the most effective ways to reclaim control is by expanding the distribution of African-originated media. Media can be used to shape perceptions and influence opinions. Unfortunately, African stories have often been told by external voices, resulting in a skewed portrayal that neglects the complexity and richness of our diverse cultures and achievements. By taking control of our narrative, we can ensure that our stories are told authentically and with the nuance they deserve.
To control our narrative, there are challenges that must be addressed. Limited access to resources, infrastructure, and technology can hinder the production and distribution of African media. TAF will support efforts to support and invest in local talent across various media industries, including film, television, literature, and music. By nurturing homegrown talent, we can create authentic and compelling narratives that resonate with both local and global audiences.
We will support the expansion of infrastructure for media production and distribution. This includes partnering with like-minded entities that investing in modern studios, providing training for filmmakers, and creating platforms for the exhibition of African content. By enhancing our media infrastructure, we can increase the quality and accessibility of African-originated content.
We will encourage pan-African collaborations to foster a sense of unity and shared identity, including supporting media content in indigenous languages. This not only preserves cultural heritage but also ensures that broader populations can actively engage with and relate to the narratives presented in various forms of media. We will leverage digital platforms for content distribution. The internet has democratised access to information and entertainment, providing a global stage for African stories. By utilising online platforms, we can reach a wider audience and challenge existing narratives.
TAF will engage Africa’s people to critically engage with the media. By educating our communities about the impact of media on perceptions, we can create a more discerning audience that demands and supports authentic African narratives, media events, and cultural exchanges challenge stereotypes and demonstrate the vibrancy and innovation present across the continent.
We envision a future with expanded media education programs across the continent. This includes investing in film schools, journalism programs, and digital media training centres. TAF will also develop strategies for funding mechanisms for media production. We will also address regulatory barriers and support the protection of intellectual property rights, and freedom of expression.
Our 5 core focus areas will be Governance, Economy, Environment, Wellness and Narrative - and we will develop thought leadership positions in each. As part of this, the focus area units will: promote dialogue, develop information & intelligence and publish policy options; plan & advocate for change & implementable solutions on a prioritised basis; and publish measures of impact. These units will be coordinated but otherwise autonomous and their leadership will be responsible for unit-level objectives, activities & impact which are integrated & aligned with those of TAF at a global level. The units’ broad scopes of pan-African advocacy will be:
TAF Governance
Transparent for unity
Our systems of control & accountability within & between government, the economy & civil society, including the law; with an emphasis on convergence & sovereignty, for effective leadership & peace
TAF Economy
Vibrant for prosperity
Our systems of production & consumption and the supply of money; with an emphasis on integration & innovation, for efficient public & private markets for goods & services
TAF Environment
Flourishing for prosperity
Our abundant natural world as affected by human activity; with an emphasis on protection & equitable exploitation of indigenous natural resources, for productive sustainability
TAF Wellness
Thriving for prosperity
Our systems of healthcare & education; with an emphasis on proactive multi-dimensional approaches & the provision of basic services, for informed choices & flourishing lifestyles
TAF Narrative
Authentic for unity
Our history, culture & potential; with an emphasis on Africans amplifying our story & purposeful communication, for a stronger pan-African mentality and therefore clearer identity & objectives