At Africa No Filter, we know that narrative matters.

Narratives are a collection of related stories that are articulated and refined over time to represent a central belief.

The prevailing narrative of Africa as the continent of poverty, disease, conflict, poor leadership and corruption is stereotypical.

It has turned a dynamic, innovative and evolving continent with 54 countries into a single story of a broken and dependent continent, a people who lack agency.

We’re on a mission to shift outdated perceptions of Africa by supporting the development of stories that represent Africa beyond stereotypes.

Who we are

We support the community of storytellers and organisation already working to shift stereotypical narratives of Africa through the development of nuanced and contemporary stories. We do this by investing in Research, Grantmaking, Community Building and Advocacy.

Our Goal

Our Vision

Our vision is a world where the prevailing narrative within and about Africa is reflective of a progressive and dynamic continent.

Our Mission

Our mission is to connect and build the field of narrative change makers in Africa; Support storytellers and dissemination platforms to crowd in more progressive, nuanced storylines and to drive disruption campaigns that challenge harmful narratives

Goal

ANF’s goal over time is to leave an empowered narrative change ecosystem and an informed community of storytellers who work more deliberately to change harmful narratives within and about Africa.

“ Narratives are a collection of related stories that are articulated and refined over time to represent a central idea or belief. ”

What we do

These are the four strategic pillars that guide our work:

1. Research
Our thematic research unpacks the impact of narrative to make the work we do evidence-based, salient and relevant to the African conversations. Our reports are produced in partnership with academics, researchers, and research institutions.

2. Grantmaking
Our grantmaking supports storytellers, as well as arts, culture and media organisations around Africa and the Diaspora that are already working to shift stereotypical narratives of Africa. To date, we have launched more than 10 call outs, two emerging artists fellows programs and one academic fellows program.

3. Community Building

We use our convening power, partnerships, and platforms to support storytellers with the skills and resources to boost the business of their creativity. We do this by connecting them to markets, amplifying their work, networking, and capacity building through the Africa No Filter Academy.

4. Advocacy
We are keen to position ourselves as an African narrative watchdog – a central source for tracking, recording, sharing learnings and data around examples of harmful narratives on the continent and attempts to disrupt it.

Contact us

info@africanofilter.org