Africanofilter

An advocacy organisation shifting stereotypical narratives about Africa to reflect progress, innovation, and opportunity.

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

Africa is on a wave
Here’s how to be part of it:
1. Post your wave
2. Use the mark or #NotWaiting
3. Tag someone
4. Do it again on the 25th of June
@_notwaiting_
#OpportunityAfrica

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

Flutterwave is now valued at $3.25 billion following a major investment from Ripple.

This isn't just a fintech success story. It's proof that African entrepreneurs are building global solutions, attracting global capital, and shaping the future of finance.

Africa is not waiting for innovation.
Africa is creating it.

#NotWaiting #AfricaNoFilter #ChangingTheNarrative #Flutterwave #FintechAfrica #AfricanInnovation

📸 Photo credit: Flutterwave

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

This week’s funding opportunities for African storytellers and creatives. Tag someone who should apply.

1. Applications are now open for Cohort 1 of the LIPFest Craft & Development Lab, a 4-month structured program supported by Africa No Filter for 10 early- to mid-career poets and writers:
👉🏾 Access to experienced faculty & 1-on-1 mentorship
👉🏾 Portfolio development grants
👉🏾 Showcase opportunities at LIPFest & regional festivals
👉🏾 100% free to apply & participate (Virtual sessions)
Deadline: Friday, 3 July 2026
🔗: https://t.co/0d4PWGzai2

2. Got a powerful cinematic story to tell? The International Film Festival Rotterdam’s Hubert Bals Fund supports creative feature documentaries at the script stage:
👉🏾 Development grants up to €10,000
👉🏾 Pitching coaching and script consulting
👉🏾 Direct path to international film market presentation
Deadline: 31 July 2026
🔗: https://t.co/M7nJVoiiVn

3. Registration is now open for FAME Week Africa 2026, one of the continent’s leading gatherings for professionals in film, television, music, fashion, animation, and entertainment:
👉🏾 Connect with creators, producers, distributors, and investors from across Africa
👉🏾 Attend high-level discussions and industry-focused sessions
👉🏾 Explore collaboration, funding, and partnership opportunities
Deadline: 28 October 2026
🔗: https://t.co/OAwFzc4XdH

4.The ESWACOS Creative Industries Development Grants are now open for applications, providing financial support to creators and rights holders in Eswatini:
👉🏾 Receive up to E5,000 in funding per project
👉🏾 Support available for music, book publishing, marketing, and digital distribution
👉🏾 Open to creators, performers, authors, producers, and artists
Deadline: 30 June 2026
🔗: https://t.co/LtQVJn2sZS

5. Babel Music XP 2027 is inviting artists from around the world to apply for one of Europe's leading world music showcases in Marseille, France:
👉🏾 Perform live in front of international audiences and music industry professionals
👉🏾 Present your work to festival programmers, booking agents, and labels
👉🏾 Build global connections and unlock new touring opportunities
Deadline: 19 July 2026
🔗: https://t.co/WcJR2zZdoQ

#africanofilter #hotoppotunities

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

🇪🇬 Egypt secured its first-ever FIFA World Cup victory.

🇨🇻 Cape Verde is making history in its first-ever World Cup appearance.

Different journeys. Same ambition.
African teams are not just showing up, they are making history.

#AfricaNoFilter #ChangingTheNarrative #AfricanFootball #Egypt #CapeVerde #FIFAWorldCup

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

Africa can not be defined by stories told about it. It must be defined by stories told by Africans.

Watch our Executive Director, @mokymakura , on @CNNAfrica discussing why Africans must lead the narratives that shape perceptions of the continent.

#AfricaNoFilter #ChangeTheNarrative #CNNInsideAfrica

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

Here's a weekly round up of stories about Africa’s progress, innovation, and opportunity, produced by @birdstoryagency
1. As the only woman to own and run a stable in Senegal, Rayana Fakhry occupies a rare position in the country’s equestrian world. Through Écuries Hachem, the stable founded by her mother, she is training young riders, rehabilitating horses and championing an approach that places animal welfare at the centre of the sport. Read more: https://t.co/becgRQBtlp
2.Liberian agriculturist Ebenezer Doto Kukai is helping shape agricultural development from within government. Read more: https://t.co/qlCxFpRzKC
3.A pile of rubbish may seem unremarkable to most people. But for filmmaker Sally Ngoiri, it tells a story about consumption and the choices that shape the communities around us. Read more: https://t.co/4UjC9BU2pw
4.African electricity systems are moving beyond state-owned utility models as governments increasingly rely on private capital to build new generation, storage, and grid infrastructure. Read more: https://t.co/5XzuQTagPO

#birdstoryagency #betterstories #opportunityafrica #africanofilter

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

Pan-Africanism: dream or reality? Is Africa truly on the path to “One Africa”?
More than 60 years after the vision of a united continent emerged through the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the idea of African integration remains central to continental ambition.
From the OAU to the African Union (AU), and through nine Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Africa has developed structures aimed at unity, free trade, peace, and development. But how close is the continent to achieving this vision?
Africa No Filter reviewed research on more than 20 institutions, agreements, and initiatives to assess the progress and narratives around continental integration.
Key insights show a mixed reality:
• Strong focus on “hard power” areas such as trade, security, and governance.
• Weak emphasis on cultural diplomacy and soft power.
• Limited implementation, ratification, and accountability of agreements.
• Infrastructure gaps continue to limit integration.
• Migration and xenophobia remain major barriers to free movement.
• However, Africa has made progress in speaking with one voice globally.
The review highlights a persistent gap between ambition and execution in the pursuit of “One Africa.”
Read “One Africa: Pan-African Dream or Reality” to explore the opportunities, challenges, and future of African integration. Here: https://t.co/VpsA119Op9

#AfricaNoFilter #AfricanYouth #ChangingTheNarrative #AfricanStories #NarrativeShift

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

For generations, the world has been shown maps that dramatically reduce Africa’s true size. More than a cartographic error, this distortion has influenced how the continent is perceived—its significance, its influence, and its place in global conversations.
But the reality is different. Africa is vast. Vast in land, in people, in cultures, in creativity, and in opportunity. Yet its true scale is rarely reflected in the images we see every day.
The #CorrectTheMap campaign is a call to challenge outdated representations and embrace a more accurate picture of our world.
Watch, share, and join the movement. Sign the petition to #CorrecttheMap here: https://t.co/Egm4ixFliS

#CorrectTheMap #RepresentationMatters #Africa #ChangeTheNarrative

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

The narrative said "underdog."
Cape Verde heard "equal." 🇨🇻
Holding Spain to a draw isn't luck. It's preparation, talent, and belief.
Maybe it's time the world updated its assumptions about African football.
#AfricaNoFilter #WorldCup2026 #opportunityafrica #Betterstories #NotWaiting

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

Here's a weekly round up of stories about Africa’s progress, innovation, and opportunity, produced by @birdstoryagency.

1. African capital markets are moving beyond market formation into a phase defined by deeper liquidity, stronger institutions, and improved market infrastructure. Recent reforms across exchanges, regulators, and development institutions point to systems increasingly capable of mobilizing and allocating domestic capital at scale. Read more: https://t.co/CbHP2baPGq

2. In Nigeria, where renewable energy is increasingly becoming a necessity rather than an alternative, women like Nkechi Okenwa are working to bridge both gaps at once, bringing clean energy solutions to underserved communities while creating pathways for more women to enter the sector. Read more: https://t.co/Qnhviy4C8B

3 Entrepreneur Mengué Diouf is helping poultry farmers use real-time monitoring and data management to improve oversight, reduce losses, and make more informed decisions. Her technology is helping Senegal become more food self-sufficient. Read more: https://t.co/ExKZm5Vkzo

4. African banks are sustaining some of the highest returns in global finance as rising profitability spreads across major markets. The gains reflect deeper financial penetration but increasingly point to a system that must now convert earnings strength into long-term efficiency, digital scale, and broader credit access. Read more: https://t.co/jqMP5zZE6J

#birdstoryagency #betterstories #opportunityafrica #africanofilter

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

Who will you cheer for in this year's FIFA World Cup? For the first time in history, 10 nations will fly the continent’s flags — Algeria, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia. Alongside them, nearly 90 players of African descent will represent the diaspora across other teams. Every match this month is more than football. It’s a showcase of African excellence, resilience, and global influence. It’s the story of youth, ambition, and influence shaping the world’s biggest stage.

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

Who is influencing Africa’s youth? And who is shaping the world’s perception of Africa?

Africa is moving forward—driving innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and change. Yet, perceptions of the continent are still too often shaped by narratives of poverty, conflict, corruption, and underdevelopment.
To understand how these narratives affect young Africans, Africa No Filter surveyed 4,500 young people across nine African countries.
Key findings:
✅ 73% believe Africa has global influence.
✅ 71% believe social media can be used to challenge stereotypes about the continent.
✅ 60% say they love their country and Africa despite negative narratives.
❌ 75% believe movies and media contribute to negative perceptions of Africa.
The findings reveal a generation that is aware of the challenges but remains proud of its identity and committed to reshaping Africa’s story.
Read “Who is Influencing Who? Unpacking Youth and Influence in Africa” and discover how young Africans see themselves, their influence, and the future of the continent. Here: https://t.co/Utkmbc9MDe

#AfricaNoFilter #AfricanYouth #ChangingTheNarrative #AfricanStories #NarrativeShift

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

The U.S might have turned away Africa’s best referee, but Omar Abdulkadir Artan received a hero’s welcome when he landed home in Mogadishu. Artan’s rejection unlocked a whole new level of pride in Somalia 🙌🏾. https://t.co/cBRNDRMRMF 

📷: omar_artan
#BetterStories #BetterRepresentation #NotWaiting

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

The way we see the world shapes the way we understand it.
For centuries, many of the maps used in classrooms, media, and institutions have distorted the true size of Africa, making the continent appear much smaller than it really is. This visual distortion has contributed to misconceptions about Africa’s importance, influence, and potential.

But Africa is not small.
Africa is home to over 1.5 billion people, immense natural wealth, thriving cultures, innovation hubs, and some of the world's fastest-growing economies. It deserves to be represented accurately.
Correcting the map is about more than geography. It is about correcting perceptions, challenging outdated narratives, and ensuring that Africa occupies its rightful place in the global imagination.
Join the movement.
Download the correct map. Sign the charter. Help reshape the narrative: https://t.co/Sg7TQkvkcQ

#CorrectTheMap #AfricaRising #ReclaimTheNarrative #RepresentationMatters #TheFutureIsAfrican

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

In a world where identities are often reduced to stereotypes, Amarachi Nwosu is using storytelling to reveal the complexity, beauty, and diversity of cultures across Africa and its diaspora. A self-taught filmmaker, artist, writer, and producer, Amarachi is committed to creating narratives that challenge assumptions and foster deeper cross-cultural understanding.

As the founder of Melanin Unscripted (MU), a media platform and creative studio, she has built a global community dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and untold stories. Her acclaimed documentary Black In Tokyo sparked international conversations about race, belonging, and cultural identity, reaching more than 1.5 million viewers worldwide. More recently, she premiered The Ones Who Keep Walking, the first feature documentary focused on African creatives in contemporary cinema, featuring over 20 creatives from 14 countries across Africa and its diaspora.

Recognized in the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Class of 2021, Amarachi has collaborated with global brands and photographed influential figures while remaining deeply committed to social impact. Through film, media, and community initiatives, she continues to build a creative ecosystem that celebrates nuanced African narratives and inspires a more connected world.
Find her works here: https://t.co/bt0qDIirHU

#AfricaNarrativeCollective #BetterStories #BetterRepresentation

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

4.The African Cultural Fund is boosting the resilience of the continent's creative industries by funding professional artistic creation:
👉🏾 Grants up to €5,000 for project execution
👉🏾 Capacity building and technical management training
👉🏾 Access to a pan-African creative network
Deadline: 25 July 2026
🔗: https://t.co/BmIip2oNj8
5. Safety and professional readiness matter. The Rory Peck Trust is providing grants to help freelance journalists cover the costs of vital training:
👉🏾 Funding for Hostile Environment & First Aid Training (HEFAT)
👉🏾 Support for digital security courses
👉🏾 Designed specifically for independent storytellers in high-risk zones
Deadline: 26 July 2026
🔗: https://t.co/5UguTKG0f0
6.Bring your boundary-pushing creative project to life. The Kone Foundation funds academic research, artistic work, and combinations of the two:
👉🏾 Monthly stipends ranging from €2,600 to €3,700
👉🏾 Support for both individual projects and working groups
👉🏾 Travel and residency production expenses covered
Deadline: 28 July 2026
🔗: https://t.co/e4fA2y7qv4

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

This week’s funding opportunities for African storytellers and creatives. Tag someone who should apply.

1.Are you driving social change or telling stories of community innovation? Acumen Academy is accepting applications for its 2026 Fellowship cohort:
👉🏾 World-class leadership and business training
👉🏾 Access to a global network of social investors
👉🏾 Mentorship to scale your impact project
Deadline: 15 July 2026
🔗: https://t.co/lsK2NvDwWI
2.Firelight Media is looking for early-career documentary filmmakers of color who are working on their first or second feature-length film:
👉🏾 $25,000 project development grant
👉🏾 18 months of customized structural mentorship
👉🏾 Co-production and networking opportunities with global broadcasters
Deadline: 20 July 2026
🔗: https://t.co/YubVTNlQdU
https://t.co/gbQJMQMVXL World Media is funding creative journalists and filmmakers who want to report underreported stories from the global south:
👉🏾 Production grant up to £3,000
👉🏾 One-on-one mentorship from industry executives
👉🏾 Distribution support with international media partners
Deadline: 22 July 2026
🔗: https://t.co/iMXHT32Co3
4.The African Cultural Fund is boosting the resilience of the continent's creative industries by funding professional artistic creation:
👉🏾 Grants up to €5,000 for project execution
👉🏾 Capacity building and technical management training
👉🏾 Access to a pan-African creative network
Deadline: 25 July 2026
🔗: https://t.co/BmIip2oNj8
5. Safety and professional readiness matter. The Rory Peck Trust is providing grants to help freelance journalists cover the costs of vital training:
👉🏾 Funding for Hostile Environment & First Aid Training (HEFAT)
👉🏾 Support for digital security courses
👉🏾 Designed specifically for independent storytellers in high-risk zones
Deadline: 26 July 2026
🔗: https://t.co/5UguTKG0f0
6.Bring your boundary-pushing creative project to life. The Kone Foundation funds academic research, artistic work, and combinations of the two:
👉🏾 Monthly stipends ranging from €2,600 to €3,700
👉🏾 Support for both individual projects and working groups
👉🏾 Travel and residency production expenses covered
Deadline: 28 July 2026
🔗: https://t.co/e4fA2y7qv4

#africanofilter #hotoppotunities

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

Narrative shift is in motion, and it starts with how the world sees our continent—literally!
We are incredibly proud to see the African Union @_AfricanUnion endorse the #CorrectTheMap of Africa initiative, led so powerfully by Togo.
For centuries, standard maps like the Mercator projection have visually shrunk Africa, distorting its true size and diminishing its global influence. The reality? Over 30 million km², 20% of the world's landmass, and home to 1.4 billion people full of agency, innovation, and potential.

Thank you to the African Union for amplifying this crucial mission, and to Togo for taking this fight for accurate scale all the way to the UN. Decolonizing the narrative means decolonizing geography!

Explore the truth and sign the petition today : https://t.co/Sg7TQkvkcQ

#CorrectTheMap #Agenda2063 #ShiftTheNarrative #AfricaNoFilter

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

Did You Know?
The African Union endorsed the #CorrectingtheMap of Africa Initiative , led by #Togo , to address historical distortions that shrink Africa's true size and influence.

Africa covers over 30 million km², 20% of the world's landmass, and is home to 1.4 billion people.

Togo has now taken the initiative to the UN, calling for the adoption of map projections that accurately reflect Africa's true scale and challenge the continued use of the Mercator projection.

https://t.co/IjL3Lhog8H

#CorrectTheMap
#Agenda2063

[Africanofilter @africanofilter]

Here's a weekly round up of stories about Africa’s progress, innovation, and opportunity, produced by @birdstoryagency.
1.Opportunity Africa launches #NotWaiting today on Africa Day, calling on Africans across the continent and diaspora to spotlight the people, ideas, businesses and progress already shaping Africa’s future. Read more: https://t.co/tUXMlrBxHq

2. African banks, betting firms, telecoms companies and consumer brands are moving beyond traditional sports sponsorship into deeper commercial partnerships tied to league financing, digital fan systems and long-term sports infrastructure. Read more: https://t.co/hE2MskcY2l

3. Jennifer Gache has built a career at the center of the country’s evolving energy sector, helping pioneer wind energy projects while mentoring a new generation of women engineers. Read more: https://t.co/AQDEi1NkY7

4. M-KOPA’s expansion in Ghana highlights how device financing is evolving into bundled ecosystems that combine payments, protection, and financial products into a single repayment structure. Read more: https://t.co/OzQ4t4Spz2

#birdstoryagency #betterstories #opportunityafrica #africanofilter