Africans across the diaspora have long dreamed of a Pan-African Renaissance. Envisioned by generations of political leaders, activists, scholars, and artists, the concept emerged at the end of the 19th century as part of the Pan-African movement’s global struggle against colonialism and racial segregation. Its vision embodied a fervent aspiration for a self-determined Africa, fully emancipated from the grip of Western imperialism. It sought to chart a path for a new era of cultural, economic, and spiritual renewal rooted in the continent’s pre-colonial civilizational paradigm.
Six decades after the wave of independence, Africa’s landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. While significant strides have been made in dismantling the shackles of direct colonial rule, the echoes of exploitation still resonate across the continent, now subtly cloaked in economic and geopolitical dominance.
The significant progress made by the architects of Africa’s independence was swiftly undermined in the 1980s by the implementation of Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs). These policies, imposed by the IMF and World Bank, led to widespread economic hardship, eroding the gains achieved in the post-independence era. The mandated austerity measures led to severe cuts in public services, such as healthcare and education, exacerbating poverty and inequality across the continent.
While the 1980s were described as “the lost decade,” the 1990s came to be known as the “Afro-pessimism” era. These terms reflect the widespread disillusionment with the continent’s economic and political prospects during these decades, as many African nations struggled with stagnation, deepened poverty, and growing instability. The ongoing impact of Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs), coupled with political conflicts and governance issues, fueled a pervasive sense of pessimism about Africa’s future.
A CHANGING TIDE
However, by the turn of the millennium, the narrative began to shift. “Afro-pessimism” gave way to “Africa Rising”, an era defined by renewed optimism, economic growth, technological advancements, and the emergence of a more dynamic and interconnected continent. Global demand for African resources, increased foreign investment, and the rise of a growing middle class began to reshape Africa’s trajectory, sparking hope for a more prosperous and self-sustaining future.
As we look ahead, Africa’s influence is set to expand significantly. By the end of the century, the continent is projected to be home to nearly half of the world’s population, with over half of its people under the age of 25. This unprecedented demographic shift positions Africa not only as a key player but as a central force in shaping the global geopolitical and economic landscape. With its youthful and dynamic population, Africa has the potential to lead in innovation, culture, and leadership, placing it at the heart of the world’s future.
However, this demographic surge presents a monumental challenge. Africa must not only accommodate its growing population but also create jobs for its burgeoning youth. This task is particularly daunting considering that, although some African nations have experienced growth, much of it remains uneven, driven primarily by resource extraction rather than industrial diversification.
So, how do Africans today envision this future Renaissance? In a fast-changing world transformed by breakthroughs in AI, gene editing, and shifting global power dynamics, this conversation is more urgent than ever. The Pan-African Renaissance is no longer just an aspiration—it is a necessity.
A DREAMED FUTURE
To explore and envision the future, I have created Togunaworld.com, a digital-native laboratory at the intersection of dream theory and foresight. The lab brings together art and technology to foster a dynamic and creative exploration of Africa’s potential future.
The initiative’s centerpiece is “The Sanctuary of Dreams“, a mixed-media art installation that introduce participants to a future-dreaming ritual, hosted within a metaverse digital temple. Led by Pierre-Christophe Gam or by “The Babalawo”, an AI powered oracle, the ritual takes participants on a journey of unbridled imagination to envision future scenarios aligned with their deepest desires. The immersive experience serves as a think tank, providing a platform for cross-cultural discourse on the future. Its goal is to ignite new ideas, foster collaborative dreaming, and create a space where visionary possibilities for the future can be explored collectively.
The collective visions and aspirations gathered from the future-dreaming ritual will undergo meticulous analysis, uncovering profound insights into society’s priorities and aspirations. By aligning these visionary aspirations with real-world community needs, they will serve as guiding principles for crafting sustainable initiatives in urban planning, innovative community engagement practices, and supportive technology development. Moreover, they will illuminate a clear path for research and decision-making processes across diverse fields, offering a definitive route toward fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future for communities on the African continent.
The findings will be disseminated on Togunaworld.com enriched with insightful essays, engaging podcast discussions, bespoke art, and films designed to ignite inspiration and provoke thought, encouraging a new generation of dreamers towards positive action.
Welcome to the Future –