2025 is certainly living up to expectations of being a pivotal year. While some developments are worrying, especially the escalation of conflicts in DRC and Sudan, others provide us with opportunities. The decision of the Trump administration to suspend the activities of USAID, the main agency responsible for administering financial assistance around the world, is especially a mixed blessing.

There is no gainsaying that there will be an immediate impact for several programmes across Africa in employment, access to certain medication, poverty alleviation and gender equality initiatives. Beyond this though, Africa needs to see this for what it is: a moment of critical opportunity for the continent via its relevant agencies to develop internally focused and financed initiatives that would not be subject to the whims and caprices of international donor governments and agencies. This would also help to alleviate some of the concerns that many have of how these Western agencies directly or indirectly contribute to insecurity. The 5 biggest USAID beneficiaries in Africa last year were Ethiopia, Congo DR, South Sudan, Somalia and Nigeria, receiving between $1.2billion and $738m in 2024. These amounts are dwarfed by the remittances most of these countries receive from their Diaspora. These are also some of the most resource-rich nations on the continent.

Kenya’s President Ruto and Ghana’s President Mahama have both been quite correct in identifying that there is opportunity in this seeming adversity. With the right investment and the development or strengthening of appropriate institutions, this could be a catalyst for harnessing Africa’s natural resources into the development of pharmaceutical, healthcare and other sectoral industries. For long, we have stated that Africa needs trade and not aid. Now we have a wake-up call that can jumpstart an internally powered and sustainable engine for growth.

It is apt that this conversation is happening in the month of the anniversary of the end of the 1884-85 Berlin Conference. One of the key aims in The Africa Centre focusing on this is not just to highlight the history that continues to have immense impact on Africa’s geopolity but to also interrogate how we can gain true economic, cultural and political emancipation. We are looking forward to this week kicking off a programme of monthly activities in conjunction with The Fatherland Group, which will culminate in a conference hosted by University of Lagos, Nigeria in November.

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SAM NUJOMA

Our condolences to the people of Namibia on the passing of their beloved son and a radical paragon of PanAfricanism, Sam Nujoma, who joined the ancestors earlier this month. Mr Nujoma was a freedom fighter, anti-apartheid activist who became the country’s first post-independence leader and was always a firm advocate for Africa’s emancipation. May he rest in peace and power and may his legacy live on in all of us.

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BOB MARLEY LIVES!

Honourable Robert Nesta Marley would have turned 80 years old this month. We celebrate this seminal anniversary as he lives on in our hearts – and playlists!

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MANDELA WAS FREE

This month also marks the 20^th anniversary of Mandela’s release from prison. This is particularly poignant for us at The Africa Centre, as his freedom address was by his explicit instructions, read to the world from the balcony of The Africa Centre.

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RUNNING FOR EDUCATION

He is doing it again – our brother MDKay is once again pounding 42km of the streets of London to raise funds for The Africa Centre’s education programme! This is the second time that MDKay will be running the London Marathon for us. Our immense gratitude to him. Please support his efforts by donating here.  All amounts raised go towards The Africa Centre’s Elimu education programme, where we offer children and young people exciting and memorable exposure to African excellence in arts, culture, entrepreneurism and innovation.

Olu

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The Africa Centre Needs Your Support!

For over 60 years, The Africa Centre has been a beacon of culture, creativity, and community for the African diaspora in London. Our new home in Southwark has allowed us to expand our reach, hosting over 150 events last year alone and engaging thousands in celebrating African heritage.

But right now, we need your help. Due to unforeseen construction costs and the financial strains of the past few years, The Africa Centre is facing significant challenges. To continue our mission of fostering connection and belonging, we urgently need your support.

How You Can Help:

❤️ Donate – Every contribution, big or small, helps sustain our vital work.
🔗 Share – Spread the word and help us reach more people who believe in our mission.

🤝🏾 Partner with Us – Businesses, individuals, and organizations can collaborate to keep The Africa Centre thriving.

Your generosity will help ensure that The Africa Centre remains a home away from home for the African community, a space of cultural pride and inspiration in the heart of London.