ANF Blog

Are you passionate about finding and sharing stories that present a different perspective of your country and community? Are you tired of the stereotypical narratives that prevail about the continent? And how much do you know about countries other than yours?

The story of Africa continues to be defined by stereotypes and negative perceptions that point to a continent where conflict, poor leadership, disease, corruption and poverty prevail. Besides lacking nuance and authenticity, the prevailing narrative about the continent belies its rich heritage, creativity and innovative spirit.

Poverty, poor leadership, corruption, conflict and disease are the frames that spring to mind when many people think about Africa. Is there more to these outdated stories, are these stereotypical narratives of a continent and its people who lack agency, need fixing and are dependent on wealthy countries the prevailing ones?

The UK’s Comic Relief and the US-based Conrad N. Hilton Foundation are the latest funders to join Africa No Filter (ANF) – a donor collaborative working to change harmful and stereotypical narratives about and within Africa. Both organisations join existing partners Ford Foundation, Bloomberg, Mellon Foundation, Luminate and Open Society Foundations to fund an ambitious program – influencing how the world sees Africa and how Africa sees itself.

The #Africa No Filter summit on 26 February 2020 in Johannesburg brought together leaders and luminaries from business, artist, culture and more, as we discuss why we must change this narrative now – and how we can do it together.

Nigeria’s Access Bank among global group of funders and partners and incoming Executive Director, Moky Makura, brings Pan-African communication and foundation expertise to established narrative-building program.