Africa No Filter has launched what is called “NotWaiting” campaign, calling on Africans across the continent and Diasporas to spotlight the people, ideas, businesses and progress already shaping Africa’s future.
Speaking at the launching event on Monday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, Moky Makura, Executive Director of Africa No Filter, said the campaign aims at sensitizing the people of Africa to portray their own stories and reshape global perceptions towards the continent.
“The initiative is about trying to reframe how the world sees Africa. It is also how we, as Africans, see ourselves. The negative perception that the world has about Africa has resulted in the continent to miss billions of dollars that could have been invested on the continent,” Makura told at the press conference.
Makura urged the African people to challenge distorted representations of Africa and to promote authentic narratives that reflect the continent’s progress, culture, and potential.
“Global perceptions towards Africa as misinformation and outdated stereotypes continue to distort the continent’s image,” said Makura, citing that one of the worst famines Ethiopia went through 40 years ago has defined the continent for an entire generation.
The campaign invites people to participate by posting stories, ideas, issues that deserve greater visibility, using the hashtag #NotWaiting. Participants can also sign the campaign Manifesto and share stories at www.notwaiting.africa.
The campaign will continue the 25th of every month, creating a recurring moment where Africans collectively flood the internet with stories of progress, creativity, innovation and opportunity from across the continent and diaspora.
Representing the African Union (AU) Commission, Faith Adhiambo, Senior Communication Officer -Agenda 2063 at the AU, said #NotWaiting captures the energy of a generation that is no longer waiting to be seen, validated or defined by others. ‘Africans are already building the future they want, and this campaign helps make that visible to us and to the world,” Adhiambo added.
MG/abj/APA