CEO BLOG #25 JANUARY 2026: MEMORY, IDENTITY & SOLIDARITY - HISTORY MATTERS

Apparently, as we get older, time seems to fly by faster. By any standards, 2026 has got off to a particularly hectic start, with so much happening on the geopolitical and sociocultural levels. Recent happenings in Davos are of immense importance to the restructuring of the global order. While attention has been largely focused on the implications of this fissure for the established Western middle-powers, especially with regards to Greenland and security arrangements, Africa is increasingly finding itself either in the margins of conversation or in the crosshairs for resource exploitation.

Neither of these are empowering position for Africa, and now more than ever, there is a need for a new African political intelligentsia to clearly and calmly facilitate discussion and articulate a clear positioning of Africa in the world emerging. As the saying goes, if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. If we are not being invited to existing tables, either at all or as serious equal partners, then Africa needs to build its own fora, on its own terms and decide its own destiny.

These questions were at the heart of our Beyond Berlin programme of activity commemorating the 140th anniversary of the Berlin Conference. This programme culminated in a powerful seminar organised with our partners The Fatherland Group, AFFORD, and SOAS University of London in December. The conference featured powerful lectures and speeches, including Professor Alan Lester’s keynote ‘Anti-Slavery & The Original Scramble for Africa 1807-1879’ tracing the political context which made the Berlin conference and subsequent colonialism possible. Historian and legal expert Dele Ogun presented on the featured discussions and outcomes of the Berlin Conference, and Prof Hakim Adi articulated the consequences of Berlin on Africa, culminating in the new scramble for Africa. Dr Esteban Sales presented an intriguing presentation on ‘Colonial Expansion & Resistance Before the Berlin Conference in West Central Africa’ focusing especially on modern day Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Dr Gabriel Eke offered a potential answer to the question of where we go from here by introducing the Orange Union concept as the bedrock for a new iteration of (Pan)Africanism.

We were especially proud of the panel by our Young Africa Centre on what Berlin means to them. It was poignant to hear them speak about how learning about Berlin has helped to shape their identity, and recognise the psychological borders that Berlin has created. Of particular significance, was their articulation of how popular culture and social media can be used as empowering tools to counteract the corrosive legacy of Berlin.

Congratulations to Senegal for emerging champions of Africa at the recently concluded AFCON. Congratulations to Morocco for putting on a very memorable tournament, with first-class infrastructure. We had the pleasure of screening AFCON at The Africa Centre again this year and were once again delighted to welcome people from all participating countries to the matches.

Amongst several highlights and lessons learned, the key takeaways for me were 1. The value of systems, and 2. The importance of history and how ignorance of it manifests itself in very damaging and self-defeating ways. On the former point, it was telling that the 2 countries that have developed exemplary ootball development ecosystems and infrastructure to the final.

On the second point, we had the unfortunate example of the Algerian player whose goal celebration mocked the DRC superfan’s homage to Patrice Lumumba. While Algeria and the player apologised profusely soon afterwards, it is telling that all Africans are not aware of the significance of historical figures like Lumumba. A special irony here was that Algeria had been one of the staunchest supporters of Lumumba while he was alive.

This is not dissimilar to how many younger people in South Africa are not aware of how the liberation of SA was a truly PanAfrican effort, with sacrifices being made by the entire continent in opposing the Western hegemonic powers’ unyielding support of the Apartheid regime. Nigeria alone contributed an estimated $61billion in direct support and foregone oil revenue to the struggle.

It was also quite revealing how much ignorance was at the heart of some of the more unfortunate positioning by many (including people who should know better) in a renewed North African vs Sub-Saharan African identity debate. The unifying calls for ‘intra-African fraternity’ by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI in the wake of the tournament was very welcome.

A better appreciation of historical context will ensure that Africa is empowering herself against misinformation and marginalisation. You cannot subdue a mind that knows itself. Knowing our history feeds our soul, fortifies our African identity and ensures that we are better equipped to resist the oppressive tide of the ongoing fragmentation and reordering of the global ecostructure.

AMANDLA!

Olu.

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Person of the Month: SADIO MANE For his leadership, sportsmanship, calmness under pressure, grace, dignity and being the definition of a true champion. Sadio Mané, roi du Sénégal, nous te saluons !

Rest In Power: This month, we have heard the sad news of the passing of Eric Huntley and Dr Aggrey Burke. May they rest in peace and rise in power.

Cultural entrepreneur and Ambassador Dr King SMADE (Adesegun Adeosun) is running the 2026 London Marathon in support of The Africa Centre! SMADE will be running to help The Africa Centre’s fundraising appeal, and to celebrate global African culture, unity and excellence. For more information, and to support the effort, see here!