To mark the French release of *Une histoire africaine de l’Afrique*, MansA is hosting journalist and author Zeinab Badawi for a discussion about her book. Published in French by Éditions du Faubourg, the book offers a comprehensive journey through the continent’s history, from the dawn of humanity to independence.
For too long, the history of Africa has been dominated by Western narratives—focused primarily on slavery and colonialism—or has sometimes been overlooked entirely. In *An African History of Africa*, Zeinab Badawi offers a look back at a much longer history, spanning from the origins of humanity to the independence of African nations, including ancient civilizations and medieval empires.
The author has traveled through more than thirty African countries and met with numerous historians, anthropologists, archaeologists, storytellers, and ordinary citizens. Through this research, she offers an interpretation of the continent’s history that places significant emphasis on African voices and knowledge.
Published in English in April 2024 under the title *An African History of Africa: From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence*, the book will be released in translation in September 2026 by Éditions du Faubourg. Come meet the author at the book launch event on October 7 at MansA.
The bookstore Les Nouveautés will be present at the event and will have Zeinab Badawi’s book available for purchase.
Born in Sudan, Zeinab Badawi arrived in Great Britain at the age of two. A graduate of Oxford, she has had a long career as a television journalist at the BBC. Her series *The History of Africa*, available on YouTube, has been a huge success. She has received numerous awards and is active in organizations at the intersection of diplomacy and research. She currently serves as president of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London.
