Renowned philosopher, cultural historian, and founder of the theory of Afrocentricity, Professor Molefi Kete Asante, has called for stronger African leadership and unity between the continent and its diaspora. According to him, African unity must go beyond shared history, physical identity, and the experience of slavery and colonialism. It must be anchored in a common philosophy that empowers Africans to tell their own stories, shape their identity, and take responsibility for their collective future.
Speaking on The National Discourse on GBC News, hosted by Darroll Allan Tagoe, during a discussion on Who Controls Africa’s Story? Who Tells Our Story and Why It Matters, Professor Asante questioned why the African Union had not already taken steps to incorporate Caribbean nations into the continental body. He argued that Africa’s responsibility should extend beyond its geographical boundaries to include the wider African diaspora. This, he believes, is crucial for genuine Pan-Africanism.
Professor Asante maintained that genuine Pan-Africanism must be rooted in Afrocentricity, a philosophy that advances African culture through African agency. This approach allows Africans to interpret their own experiences, history, and place in the world rather than depending on external narratives. According to him, Pan-Africanism without Afrocentricity risks becoming an empty slogan because unity must be supported by a clear philosophical foundation.
Drawing from his experiences across South America and the Caribbean, including Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Cuba, Professor Asante said he continues to find a sense of unity among people of African descent that goes beyond the shared experiences of slavery and colonisation. He argued that this connection is also rooted in Africa’s historical contribution to the formation of human culture. This shared cultural heritage, he believes, is a strong foundation for unity.
On what truly binds Africans together, Professor Asante said the connection goes beyond skin colour and physical characteristics. He identified a shared ethical responsibility to defend oppressed people, support the vulnerable, and stand with those who are weakest in society. He described this principle as deeply rooted in African traditions and argued that it should form part of the ideological foundation of Pan-Africanism.
The professor further highlighted the different ideological approaches adopted by African thinkers in advancing continental unity, referencing George Padmore, the Trinidadian-born Pan-Africanist and close associate of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. He noted that Padmore saw socialism as a means of connecting people of African descent, while his own approach places African agency at the centre of unity and transformation.
Professor Asante stressed that being Pan-African means recognising a shared responsibility to advance African culture, regardless of where one lives. He believes that Africa is on the verge of becoming a leading force among the world’s continents and that Africans must assume a stronger leadership role in uniting people of African descent across the world. With this, he hopes to see a unified Africa that is capable of taking its rightful place on the global stage.
Key points
- Professor Molefi Kete Asante advocates for a unified Africa with a shared philosophy that empowers Africans to tell their own stories and shape their identity.
- Genuine Pan-Africanism, according to Professor Asante, must be rooted in Afrocentricity, which advances African culture through African agency.
- Professor Asante believes that Africa’s responsibility extends beyond its geographical boundaries to include the wider African diaspora.
