With many Africans unable to decipher truth from fiction on the internet, conspiracy theories continue to make the rounds, even while we are in the throes of a global pandemic. Olaokun Soyinka talks to Michelle Akande, Dunsi Strohschein and Kama Rogo about the impact of conspiracy theories on healthcare. Where do people turn for information?
In our highly connected world, men are buffeted by the confusing, shifting currents of gender identity. Under pressure to show a feminine side on the one hand and to defend traditional ideas of masculinity on the other, an acceptable balance can be difficult to navigate. How much flexibility should be expected of men? How do
An efficient energy sector is critical to both economic progress and national security, and African countries are still deciding how to achieve this. Complicating the decisions are complex issues such as climate change, sustainability cost and technology transfer. It is an urgent challenge for Africa and consumers toshould understand the issues. Our panel of experts
The internet has disrupted the publishing industry forcing all participants in the literary value chain to radically change their business models. However, the core challenge remains the same, how to link the authors with the readers. The solutions in Africa require an Afrocentric lens as the reading culture in most of our countries has been
One of the most exciting developments in African literature is the emergence of the sub-genre of African science fiction. A continent in a precarious state after a turbulent recent history, provides rich material for imaginative writers of speculative fiction. Some of our most exciting new writers are mining this rich seam with results that will
xxxx of the African past and tell the tales anew. How skewed have the stories been? Can we still identify the truth? Who are the new voices and how are they doing? These are some of the questions Africans should be asking, and our panel will help us with some answers.
As sexual morality continues to evolve, the battle between permissiveness and control continues to rage. Religion and culture play an important part in this and are seen as intrusive and outdated. Are they necessary safeguards? If so, is continued evolution enough or is it time to throw off repressive measures more urgently to achieve the
In this discussion about Young Adult publishing in Africa two powerful works will be discussed. Ruby Yayra Goka, one of Ghana’s most celebrated children’s book authors, has produced a riveting YA novel. A young woman speaks out against her wealthy abuser, the son of her employer. Through the life of an ordinary girl from a
Our constant desire for economic growth is based on an understanding that we all want to prosper, and flourish in life. Across the globe, most countries are managing to make some progress, but within their borders, achieving equitable sharing of the dividends of economic growth is proving difficult. There is a fierce tug-of-war between the
Despite most African countries leaning towards patriarchial societies, there is a strong tradition of powerful women in the public space. Therefore, it is not surprising to find feminism thriving. However, as traditional approaches to gender roles evolve and the younger generations face new challenges, inevitably, strategic disagreements have emerged within the feminist movement. Where do
