By Abeeb Lekan Sodiq
Ghanaian-American journalist and founder of TheAfricanDream.net, Oral Ofori, delivered a powerful address at the 9th Pan-African Congress in Lomé, Togo, urging African nations, institutions, and governing bodies to reclaim the continent’s narrative from long-standing global stereotypes and to take ownership of telling Africa’s stories.
The congress was held under the auspices of the African Union (AU) and formally endorsed through Decision Assembly/AU/Dec. 848 (XXXVI) at the 36th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in February 2023. This endorsement aligns the gathering with the AU’s “Decade of African Roots and the African Diaspora (2021–2031).” Hosted by the Togolese government under the patronage of President Faure Gnassingbé, the event forms part of wider AU efforts to advance Pan-Africanism, Agenda 2063, and Africa’s participation in global governance, with contributions from AU institutions, member states, and the diaspora.
Speaking on the theme “Strategic Diplomacy and Communication – Positioning Africa as a Leading Actor in Its Own Narrative,” on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Mr. Ofori highlighted the paradox of Africa’s rapidly expanding digital presence. Despite having over 570 million internet users, he described the continent as “digitally colonised,” pointing out that much of Africa’s digital infrastructure is foreign-owned or foreign-controlled.
Mr. Ofori called for urgent reforms and investments, stressing:
“Africa must invest in continental media networks, international broadcasting… Africans should tell African stories in global languages and through global channels. When we rely solely on external media, we give others the pen to write our history.”
He urged African governments and the AU to treat digital infrastructure with the same strategic priority as physical infrastructure under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He further advocated increased support for cultural exports, creative industries, archival preservation, museum repatriation, and stronger global partnerships.
Watch his full speech here: https://youtu.be/zb93LnW7au4?si
Mr. Ofori concluded with a vision for a new African narrative:
“An Africa where every young person feels represented, empowered, and connected. An Africa whose global image reflects its true potential and not outdated stereotypes.”
He was also featured as a panellist in the congress’s first plenary session themed “The Image of Africa in Today’s World: Issues and Challenges of Promoting the African Narrative.” Moderated by former Senegalese Foreign Minister Mankeur Ndiaye, the panel included Eric Agnero, Tulu Omondi, Ms. Foreman Idita, and Oral Ofori.
The panellists critically examined the entrenched negative global perception of Africa—often reduced to poverty, economic instability, structural adjustment cycles, conflict, and governance challenges. They identified diplomacy, strategic communication, cultural soft power, institutional strengthening, an independent African media ecosystem, and stronger diaspora participation as essential tools for reshaping Africa’s image.
“Make Africa a narrator and not a spectator and consumer,” Ms. Foreman Idita stated.
The 9th Pan-African Congress, hosted by Togo under the high patronage of President Faure Gnassingbé from 8 to 12 December 2025, is themed “Renewal of Pan-Africanism and Africa’s Role in the Reform of Multilateral Institutions: Mobilizing Resources and Reinventing Itself to Act.” With delegates from over 40 African countries and the diaspora, the congress continues until 13 December, featuring discussions on youth empowerment, cultural renaissance, and economic integration.
Follow Africa Live News
✔️ Facebook: https://facebook.com/africalivenews
✔️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/africalivenews2
✔️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/africalivenews
✔️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@africalivenews
