Why We Exist
As postcolonial Africa’s challenges grow ever more complex—some self-inflicted, others externally imposed—the responsibility of the African public intellectual has never been greater. It is imperative that we, as knowledge facilitators and critical thinkers, confront the continent’s most painful, often uncomfortable truths to forge a bold, revolutionary path forward.
This forum calls upon postcolonial African scholars, broadly defined, to share their intellectual work and unflinching perspectives on the continent’s most pressing issues. While knowledge is inevitably political, this platform demands a higher standard: knowledge mobilization free from partisan allegiance—neither serving as a mouthpiece for government nor as a cudgel against the opposition.
Contributors are enjoined to respect a diversity of thought and to refrain from ad hominem attacks or veiled insinuations. The core mission is to give African writers space to narrate Africa’s story—one not filtered through the lens of colonial or European historiography, but one that boldly centers African voices and lived experiences. It is only through such rigorous, honest, and respectful discourse that Africa can reclaim its narrative and chart its own destiny.
Challenging the Colonial Canon
The Problem
For centuries, colonial institutions and research centers have distorted Africa’s story, imposing frameworks that undermine African identity and potential. Such politicized texts often depict Africans as subordinate, perpetually reliant on colonial guidance, while overlooking their substantial contributions to civilization.
Our Response
The Postcolonial Writers Series and its African-centred narratives directly challenge these colonial canons. The African writer—like the proverbial hunter—reclaims control of their own story. True liberation demands intellectual autonomy, unbound by colonial epistemologies.
Who This Platform Serves
The Contributors
Experts, scholars, writers, poets, cultural critics, and essayists across disciplines, with an emphasis on postcolonial Africa and Africans in the broadest sense. We welcome academic articles, stories, essays, book reviews, and editorials. Diverse perspectives ensure all voices are respectfully centred and heard.
The Readers
Scholars, students, researchers, policymakers, and global citizens. This diversity is essential for broadening and deepening understanding. Readers gain genuine insights into African knowledge, experience, postcolonial identity, politics, and socio-economic realities.
How We Reclaim Narratives
We are guided by a commitment to intellectual rigor and narrative authenticity.
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
| Narrative Sovereignty | Centring African history, experiences, epistemologies, and identity. We reject external framing of African realities. |
| Critical Rigor | Fostering scholarly depth through evidence-based research, careful argumentation, and intellectual honesty. |
| Unflinching Dialogue | Encouraging serious debate among African scholars and the wider public without partisan capture or personal attacks. |
Join the Conversation
Whether you write, research, or simply seek deeper understanding, this platform exists for you.