UNESCO Reinvents Africa’s History : an African narrative beyond the colonial lens
On October 17, 2025, UNESCO unveiled the final three volumes of the General History of Africa, a monumental series designed to recount the continent’s history through the lens of its own researchers and free from colonial perspectives.
For decades, the General History of Africa has been one of the most ambitious intellectual projects aimed at rewriting the continent’s narrative. Initiated in the 1960s and developed by hundreds of African and international scholars, the project sought to offer a history free from colonial viewpoints and the stereotypes often perpetuated by traditional historiography.
Telling Africa’s History from an African Perspective
Over the years, more than 550 African and international experts have contributed to this monumental work, culminating with the publication of three new volumes in 2025. Today, UNESCO makes this rich eight-volume collection available to classrooms around the world.
Highlight the richness of African civilizations, the diversity of their experiences, and their contributions to world history
The last three volumes, presented on October 17, 2025, in Paris by UNESCO, complete the series, thirty years after the publication of the first volumes. These new works explore essential periods and themes, ranging from economic and social transformations to regional integration and contemporary cultural dynamics. They highlight the richness of African civilizations, the diversity of their experiences, and their contributions to world history.
An essential reference for educators, students, and anyone seeking to understand Africa in all its complexity and uniqueness
Throughout the series, scholars have worked to deconstruct many misconceptions and to valorize African sources, including oral traditions, archaeology, and local archives. Today, the General History of Africa stands as an essential reference for educators, students, and anyone seeking to understand Africa in all its complexity and uniqueness.
Understanding the continent’s history is a crucial tool for strengthening African identity and pride while fostering intercultural dialogue
UNESCO emphasizes the importance of this project for collective memory and education, noting that understanding the continent’s history is a crucial tool for strengthening African identity and pride while fostering intercultural dialogue. The publication of these final three volumes thus marks the conclusion of a major intellectual journey, while opening the door to new research and reflections on the African continent.
Find out more : https://www.unesco.org/fr/general-history-africa
