Nigerian author Adewale Ajadi launches Afrilition book challenging negative Africa narratives
Adewale Ajadi, Nigerian author and leadership educator, virtually launched his book "Afrilition: 21st Century African Manifesto" on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The book challenges negative narratives about Africa (what he calls "Afro-pessimism") and moves beyond simple "Africa Rising" slogans to propose a deliberate framework for Africans to shape their continent's future.
The book offers Africans on the continent and in the diaspora (Caribbean, South America, North America, Europe) a way to define their own values and contribute to a changing global order. It examines choices that could shape Africa's place in the world over the next two generations, promotes a broader understanding of prosperity focused on humanity, humility, service and community, and argues for cooperation as Africa's response to continental challenges. Reviews highlight its emphasis on Pan-Africanism, African excellence without external validation, and its unique grandfather-to-grandchildren letter format that makes complex ideas accessible.
The book is available now and invites readers to reconsider how they view Africa's progress - moving beyond Western models and material gains to consider what Africans themselves choose to build. With endorsements from figures like Funmi Olonisakin (Deputy President of King's College London) and Martin Banda (leadership educator), it presents itself as both a scholarly work and accessible call to action for anyone interested in Africa's future. Will you engage with this manifesto to help shape your vision for Africa's role in the 21st century?