Opinion

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  Africa on a Plate – The Emerging Role of Gastronomy in Reshaping the African Narrative

  At a policy event, a dinner transformed contentious debates into a successful agreement, highlighting food's role as soft power. Soft power, a concept by diplomat Jonathan Nye, relies on cultural influence rather than military might. Nations use cultural elements like food to shape global perceptions, a practice called gastro-diplomacy. Examples include Thailand promoting Thai restaurants and France's emphasis on haute cuisine, both enhancing their international image and influence. Read more

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  Power, Partnerships & Collaboration

  Being asked to partner in major projects is both heart-warming and challenging. Recently, we received fourteen collaboration requests, mostly from unfamiliar entities. Partnerships are crucial for marginalised organisations, enabling significant impacts and cultural exchanges. However, power dynamics can be problematic, especially between Global South and North organisations. The Africa Centre focuses on equitable partnerships, preferring collaborations with its Affiliate Network. Read more

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  Cry Freedom

  For those old enough to remember watching the moment live, there would have been fewer geopolitical moments as poignant as South Africa’s first free elections in 1994. That this seminal event is now three decades old, - an entire generation – is a sobering reminder of the inevitable passage of time. Read more