Newsletter – March 2026

Hello,

Find out how you can be part of the Opportunity Africa movement, explore AI as a tool for memory preservation, and how storytellers are reimagining the future of work in Africa.

What's Happening at Africa No Filter

1. We united Africa's creative heavyweights: The Opportunity Africa initiative has launched its Creative Council, bringing together Africa's leading communications, media and marketing leaders to advance a better narrative for Africa. Their role is to guide the creative direction of the initiative, connect it to their continent-wide networks and ensure the initiative remains credible, relevant and culturally resonant across markets. Members include senior leaders from TRACE, Africa Practice, the African Union, Brand South Africa, IC Publications, Alpha Media Holdings, X3M Ideas and other leading institutions across the continent. Meet them here. Visit www.opportunityafrica.africa to find out more about the movement for an opportunity-led Africa and how you can get involved.

2. We're unpacking how African elections are covered: The narrative about Africa elections is trapped in a cycle of crises, conflicts and corruption. It's time to change the way we report on African elections. Join us for a discussion exploring how to cover elections beyond the stereotypes. Moderated by multimedia journalist Blanche Sanou, the conversation will see François Bouda, Loukoumane Worou Tchehou, and Mor Amar discuss the importance of covering African elections beyond stereotypes, tools journalists and newsrooms can use to reimagine their election coverage. It's happening on Thursday 2 April at 14:00 GMT. Join LIVE on @anffrancais's LinkedIn page.

3. We joined Her Media Diary podcast to talk about AI and shifting narratives: In this episode, Moky Makura, reflected on her journey from Lagos to the forefront of narrative change. She unpacked how the "single story" of poverty and crisis took hold—and why shifting it is critical for Africa's future. With insights from newsroom research and the launch of the AI-powered Africa Bias Buster, she also explored how technology can expose bias and unlock better storytelling. Tune in here.

4. We were out and about: We participated in a panel discussion at the iREP documentary film festival, where we explored how filmmaking can be a tool to change how the world sees Africa and how Africa sees itself. We also delivered a keynote address on ethical storytelling at the Women and Words workshop. We also facilitated a workshop on Media, Ethics and the Power of Narratives to the first cohort of the African Philanthropy Media Fellowship, and unpacked the principles of ethical storytelling to organisations that are part of Hub Cymru Africa (Wales)

Keeping up with ANF Narrative Champions

Determined to prevent African history from vanishing, Malik Afegbua launched LegacyLink to digitize the wisdom of elders. By recording oral histories and 3D-scanning heirlooms, Afegbua creates "digital twins" powered by AI. These holographic displays will allow future generations to engage in real-time conversations with ancestors in public spaces. By 2028, Afegbua aims to archive 1,000 lives, ensuring that when an elder passes, their "library" lives on.

Tune into the Brazen Exchange podcast by Vanessa Emeadi as she converses with tech expert Trae Zeeofor about what she calls the elephant in the room: tech as a get-rich-quick scheme, and other misconceptions people have about tech work in Africa". The Brazen Exchange has published a five-series podcast on the future of work and how tech is reimagining and redefining work around the continent.

Alvina Gachugu, known as Madame shE³, is a Nairobi-based multidimensional creative and storyteller. Her work blends comedy, music, and spirituality to explore African identity and inner awakening. As the founder of AGE (Alvina Gachugu Entertainment), she produces "shE³ in a Pod," a podcast dedicated to empowerment, evolution, and enlightenment, aligning the mind, body, and soul through authentic global narratives. Follow her journey here.

Growing up in Borno State, Musa Ajit always dreamed of telling the stories of its people, stories of culture, struggles, and resilience. Having experienced the devastating impact of the Boko Haram insurgency firsthand, this dream became a calling. His documentary, Echoes of Peace in Borno, is a dream come true. Watch the trailer for a firsthand account of life in an insurgency, shared by victims, those who lost loved ones, homes, and dreams as well as community leaders, humanitarian workers, and government officials working tirelessly to restore normalcy.

In Dreaming in African Time: The Future - Africa 30 years from now, Larry Kwirirayi speaks to Zinizle Masiye, Joel Gombera, and Dumisani Moyo - a chef, artist, marketer and business executive - about how they imagine Africa 30 from now. Tune into here about why they believe in showcasing African creativity, innovation, and agency. 

Shifting Narratives
 documenting the narrative progress we're seeing

The Transatlantic slave trade has been declared the gravest crime against humanity in a UN resolution that was led by Ghana and backed by the AU. Beyond the call for  financial compensation, the resolution highlights the scale and brutality of slavery as a crime against humanity and the need to address global inequalities that remain tied to the legacy of enslavement.

A Belgian court has ordered 93-year-old former diplomat Etienne Davignon to stand trial for his alleged role in the 1961 killing of Congolese hero Patrice Lumumba. As the sole surviving suspect from a 2011 lawsuit, Davignon has appealed the order, with a potential 2027 trial marking a long overdue and historic reckoning. 

Cape Town and Lagos are among the world's top 50 cities for 2026, according to Time Out magazine's latest rankings. Cape Town is Africa's top city and 6th best globally for its natural beauty. Lagos is 47th on the list for highlights, arts and culture and food scene.

Coffee was once one of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's main agricultural exports but decades of instability disrupted the sector. Tisya Mukuna is among the growing number of entrepreneurs reviving the industry.

After years of investments, African telescopes are emerging as global leaders in frontier astronomy. From South Africa's MeerKAT capturing the universe's most distant gigamaser to Ghana's radio observatory joining precision networks, the continent is proving it can drive discoveries once dominated by traditional northern-hemisphere facilities.

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