No Longer Defined by Global North: Africa Writes Its Own Stories, Says EACA President
No Longer Defined by Global North: Africa Writes Its Own Stories, Says EACA President
For too long, Africa’s narratives have been shaped externally, said Margaret Jjuuko, the head of the East African Communication Association:
“Much of the narratives that emerge have been coming from the Global North… even political decentralization has also been defined for us,” she told Sputnik Africa on the sidelines of the 15th East African Communication Association Conference.
Now, the focus is on reclaiming agency. Jjuuko stressed the importance of educating journalists and communicators to “tell our own stories from the perspectives of our own cultures and also perspectives of our agendas.” This includes producing content in African languages, ensuring that local realities and voices are reflected authentically.
She also underlined the importance of dialogue, noting that Africa cannot isolate itself:
“We bring our colleagues from the Global North, and we have deliberations and discussions on how best we can report on them and they can report on us, because news is coming everywhere.”
Looking beyond Africa’s borders, she sees opportunities in building alliances with the Global South, including BRICS:
“It has high potential… it is also time to embrace other opportunities. Because I think knowledge is not limited, and politics has also advanced.”
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