This experience at the UN and VOA gave me deep insights into how Africa is perceived in decision-making spaces. In international institutions, the overarching view of Africa is often one of dependency rather than agency. The continent is constantly framed as a region in perpetual need of aid, intervention, and external governance. This perception, unfortunately, is deeply rooted in the historical power dynamics that have shaped global governance and media narratives. And what’s worse, this narrative is perpetuated by the disproportionate influence that Western countries continue to wield in these institutions.

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Why has Western media held such dominance in telling Africa’s story? To answer this, we need to understand the historical context. During the colonial era, Western media outlets were used as tools to justify imperialist interventions, portraying Africa as uncivilized and in need of European guidance. As time passed, that narrative evolved but remained entrenched in the perception of Africa as a land of dependency rather than a place of self-sufficiency.

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Western powers often prefer interventions that align with their own geopolitical interests. In many cases, Western countries—through media and diplomatic channels—present African institutions as incapable of managing conflicts, thereby justifying foreign-led missions. This narrative of African inefficiency and weakness contributes to the continued reliance on Western interventions, sidelining African initiatives.

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Despite being a continent of 54 nations, Africa has historically been underrepresented in major international institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank. These institutions play a pivotal role in shaping global security, economic policies, and development strategies, yet Africa’s influence remains disproportionately low relative to its population, resources, and geopolitical importance.

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The political landscape in Africa is still deeply entangled with Western interests, former colonial ties, and foreign lobbying efforts. While these forces continue to shape decision-making, African nations have the power to redefine their political futures. By prioritizing African-led governance frameworks, strengthening regional cooperation, and fostering self-reliant leadership, Africa can chart a path toward a future where its political decisions are determined by Africans, for Africans.

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The Colonial Legacy: How Africa Was Cut Out from the Start. It’s a topic that speaks directly to the heart of Africa's ongoing struggle for self-determination and global representation. For centuries, Africa has faced the consequences of a colonial system designed to strip the continent of its wealth, power, and autonomy.
Colonial rule didn’t just leave an economic and political scar on Africa—it also left a psychological one. The legacy of colonialism goes beyond the exploitation of land, resources, and labor. It also reshaped how Africans viewed themselves, their culture, and their place in the world. For generations, Africans were told that their ways of life, their systems of governance, and their knowledge systems were inferior to European ideals.

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In this powerful podcast, we’ll dive deep into Africa’s fight for representation, justice, and empowerment on the global stage. From diplomacy to economics, education to sports, we’ll explore how Africa can reclaim its rightful position globally.
A Seat at the Table is more than just a podcast—it's a movement. It is available on all platforms and in visual format on YouTube, X, and Facebook.
This is Africa’s time. It's time for Africa’s voice to be heard.

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