Decolonising Africa: Reclaiming the Mind, Reimagining the Future

Are we seeing Africa through our own eyes, or through lenses created by others?

Drawing on influential African thinkers on decolonisation, particularly Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and his concept of Decolonising the Mind, this interactive workshop organised by Dr Rweyemamu Ndibalema from Birmingham Business School (UK), Dr Tahiru Liedong from University of Bath School of Management (UK) and Dr Sophia Ndibalema from the University of Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) explores how Africa has been represented, perceived and understood, from its geographical portrayal to the historical, cultural and intellectual narratives shaped by colonialism.

Using various perspectives, we aim to use participatory activities to facilitate critical discussion and examine the different narratives about Africa. Participants will consider both positive and negative narratives, reflect on how these narratives have shaped our understanding of the continent, and explore how they might be challenged or rectified. The workshop will also question whose perspectives have shaped our understanding of Africa, who continues to benefit from these perspectives, and whether new forms of colonisation are emerging today.

The workshop intends to create a space for participants to co-create alternative lenses through which Africa can be understood, drawing on diverse experiences, African knowledge and critical reflection.

Ultimately, the workshop seeks to explore how a decolonial mindset can be developed and translated into meaningful action, while challenging participants to consider an important question:

How can we decolonise Africa's mind without simply replacing one form of colonisation with another?

If you would like to register for this event, please do so here: Decolonising Africa Workshop: 24th November 2026, 12:00 - 1:30pm UK time (GMT) – Fill out form