BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE– Eswatini communications strategist and youth leader Sifiso Nxumalo has called on young Africans to take ownership of the continent’s narrative, saying Africa’s future will be be shaped not by how the world sees it, but by how Africans choose to tell their own story.
Nxumalo delivered the keynote address at the official opening of Africa Week 2026 at Waterford Kamhlaba United World College (UWC), where he addressed learners, educators and invited guests under the theme “The Amplified Mosaic: Africa’s Vibrant Resonance.”
In a thought-provoking address, Nxumalo highlighted His Majesty King Mswati III as an unapologetic ambassador for Eswatini and Africa, saying the King’s unwavering representation of the Kingdom on the global stage demonstrates the confidence, pride and authenticity that young Africans should emulate in telling the continent’s story.
He challenged learners to embrace their African identity, celebrate the continent’s diversity and confidently become ambassadors of its progress, innovation and rich cultural heritage.
He said Africa’s greatest opportunity lies in the courage of its people to define their own future instead of allowing others to shape the narrative.
“Africa’s future will not be determined by whether the world discovers us. It will be determined by whether we have the courage to tell our own story in our own voice,” he said.
Nxumalo encouraged learners to reject outdated stereotypes that have long overshadowed Africa’s achievements. Instead, he urged them to highlight the continent’s successes in entrepreneurship, science, technology, education, arts and community development.
He described Africa as a vibrant mosaic of cultures, languages and traditions, saying its diversity should be viewed as one of its greatest strengths rather than a point of division.
According to Nxumalo, young Africans have a unique responsibility to become storytellers, innovators and leaders capable of shaping a new chapter for the continent. He said education should empower young people to become solution-driven leaders who use their knowledge to transform communities and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development.
“The voices of young Africans matter. The ideas we nurture today will define the Africa of tomorrow. We must have the confidence to tell our stories with authenticity and pride,” he said.
Nxumalo further challenged learners to embrace global opportunities without losing sight of their African identity, noting that cultural pride and international excellence can successfully coexist.
He said Africa Week provides an important platform for celebrating the continent’s heritage while encouraging dialogue, unity and collaboration among young people from diverse backgrounds.
The keynote address resonated strongly with this year’s theme by encouraging learners to amplify African voices, celebrate shared values and recognise the immense potential that exists across the continent.
Africa Week is an annual programme at Waterford Kamhlaba UWC that celebrates African identity through cultural exhibitions, leadership discussions, performances and educational activities designed to inspire future leaders.
Nxumalo concluded his address by urging young Africans to become fearless custodians of the continent’s story, saying Africa did not need a new story, but a generation willing to tell its story honestly, confidently and without apology.
“Africa does not need a new story.
Our continent has never lacked beauty, intelligence, imagination or courage.
What we need is a generation willing to tell that story honestly, confidently and without apology.
Because I have come to believe that Africa’s future will not be determined by whether the world discovers us.
It will be determined by whether we have the courage to stop editing ourselves for the comfort of others…
and start telling our own story in our own voice,” he said.
(Courtesy Pic)
