Africa: a Dreamed Future

panel discussion (in Dutch) on 22 May 2024

The common perceptions associated with Africa, such as dictatorship, corruption, poverty, and hopelessness, contribute to a negative image. However,Loïc De Cannière, the author of the book ‘Africa: a Dreamed Future’, challenges these perceptions by emphasizing the continent’s diversity and cultural richness. Drawing from his experience in microfinance and various projects in Africa, he aims to present a different perspective from the one typically portrayed by the media. In his book, De Cannière looks forward rather than backward, envisioning Africa’s transformation over the next few decades. He focuses on economic development, while also addressing challenges like climate change, migration, and historical legacies. The book provides an opportunity to reconsider Africa’s potential and future trajectory.

In this panel debate, we will explore these topics with the title of the book as the starting point for discussion. The panelists include Mathieu Zana Etambala, a Congolese-Belgian historian, and Chipo Mbawu, a cultural anthropologist and development advocate. Both offer insights from their experiences in Africa. The discussion will be moderated by Elien Spillebeen, a documentary filmmaker and journalist specializing in Central and East Africa. The aim is to delve into De Cannière’s assertion that Africa will emerge positively in the coming decades while acknowledging the challenges and pitfalls.